Since 2007, WOHD has grown into the world’s largest global platform for raising awareness about oral health. Celebrated every year on 20 March, the campaign empowers people with the tools, knowledge and motivation to prevent and manage oral disease, which affects nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide.

The current campaign, launched last year by FDI, was designed to simplify oral health messaging by clearly communicating its benefits in an accessible way, each year introducing a new perspective. In 2024, the focus was on the link between oral and physical health with the theme “A happy mouth is a happy body”. This year, the spotlight shifted to mental well-being with the theme “A happy mouth is a happy mind”. In 2026, the final chapter of the trilogy is set to introduce a new slogan that will highlight how oral health supports every aspect of a fulfilling life, including enjoying food, interacting socially, working productively, communicating effectively, and ageing with confidence and dignity.

The Shanghai launch event will feature the official unveiling of the WOHD 2026 campaign materials, provide insights into the campaign’s public health objectives and offer practical guidance on how to implement the campaign both locally and globally. Participants will also hear from experts and community leaders who have successfully mobilised support in their regions and celebrate the winners of the 2025 WOHD awards.

According to Dr Anna Lella, chair of the WOHD working group: “This final year is about bringing the message home. We want people to see oral health not as an isolated issue but as something that touches every part of life. When your mouth is healthy, you’re more likely to thrive at school, at work, in relationships and as you age.”

WOHD has seen unprecedented global reach in recent years. This year, the campaign inspired activities in 218 countries, generated over 400,000 page views online and attracted 40 million video views. It also continued to build momentum around its beloved mascot, Toothie the beaver, who has become a symbol of oral health awareness for all ages. Through creative, accessible messaging and resources translated into different languages, the campaign has helped shift the conversation on oral health from a purely clinical focus to promote engagement, inclusivity and empowerment.

FDIWDC25 offers the perfect stage for this important launch. As one of the most influential global gatherings for the dental and public health communities, the congress provides an opportunity to amplify the campaign’s goals, encourage global collaboration and inspire action to improve oral health for generations to come.

Participants attending the campaign launch session will gain early access to new materials, hear from thought leaders and learn how to integrate WOHD 2026 into their own national- or community-level efforts. Most importantly, they will become part of a global movement that recognises oral health as a fundamental human right and essential to living a better, healthier life.