In 2020, FDI World Dental Federation recorded over 300 World Oral Health Day activities in 177 countries. There is much excitement regarding this year’s participation. (Image: FDI)

GENEVA, Switzerland: With less than two months to go until World Oral Health Day (WOHD) on 20 March, FDI World Dental Federation has some tips and tricks for you to be #MouthProud, have fun and celebrate safely.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there is so much that can be done to celebrate and be #MouthProud, which is the motto for WOHD 2021. The following list of activities organised in the past may provide some inspiration for this year:

• dental check-ups and dental practice visits;
• conferences, lectures, round-table discussions and workshops;
• media events;
• school visits;
• social media campaigns;
• run/walk events.

Add events to the map of activities

WOHD is all about promoting the importance of oral health. By adding your own events to the map of activities, you get even more visibility by letting others know how you plan to celebrate. On top of that, once you have submitted your activity to the map, you become eligible for a World Oral Health Day Award. This recognition further highlights the excellent work that is being done to improve oral health outcomes worldwide.

Outstanding WOHD celebrations in 2020

In 2020, the South African Dental Association (SADA) organised dental check-ups and school visits, during which dental practitioners conducted simple oral health screenings. Each branch delivered good oral health hygiene kits to 37 schools, reaching more than 10,000 children across South Africa. Dr Nthabiseng Metsing, SADA head of professional development, also shared oral health messages with 3,633 children.

Last year, the Hellenic Dental Association organised a series of media activities, ensuring that WOHD initiatives were featured in various online, print, radio and TV media. The body also organised a press conference and streamed it on YouTube and issued a press release.

Celebrating safely during these difficult times

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the nature and scale of in-person events, but as the example of the Hellenic Dental Association shows, so much more is possible with today’s technology. FDI has made the safe celebration of WOHD 2021 a major priority and recommends staying informed about rules regarding gatherings as implemented by the given local and national authorities.