FDI launches global oral health campaign for 2015
by Guy Hiscott
The FDI World Dental Federation has launched the World Oral Health Day 2015 (WOHD) ‘Smile for life’ campaign to remind people everywhere about the importance of looking after their teeth and gums.
The WOHD 2015 ‘Smile for life’ is supplemented by the call to action ‘It’s time to…’, which campaigners can adapt to their local needs and circumstances.
Dentists at the FDI Annual World Dental Congress in New Delhi last September endorsed the ‘Smile for life’ campaign when they took turns to ‘smile for life’ in front of WOHD 2015 campaign poster.
Irish Dentistry also spoke to oral health leaders for WOHD 2014 who explained their reasons for backing water fluoridation – a topical issue in Ireland.
FDI’s executive director Jean-Luc Eiselé commented: ‘We want to encourage everyone to celebrate this important day. Participants can download materials such as logos, posters and toolkits to plan their activities from the “Smile for life” campaign website – where they can also read inspiring stories from last year’s campaign to help them plan their WOHD 2015.’
FDI president Dr Tin Chun Wong said: ‘The “Smile for life” campaign reminds us that oral disease can be prevented by practising good oral hygiene throughout life, from childhood to mature adulthood.
‘After tripling the number of countries celebrating WOHD between and 2013 and 2014, we are now looking to reach an even larger audience in even more countries as well as online.’
In addition, FDI confirmed that the four key global partners of World Oral Health Day – Listerine, Unilever, Henry Schein and Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program – have renewed their commitment to support the campaign in 2015.
‘The continued support from our partners is essential in ensuring that World Oral Health Day keeps on having a global impact, and that our message can reach as wide an audience as possible,’ emphasised Dr Wong.
World Oral Health Day is celebrated throughout the world on 20 March each year with a wide range of awareness-raising activities organised by dentists, dental students, national dental associations and corporate partners.
