FDI calls for action on UN oral health commitments

FDI World Dental Federation

Fri. 20. March 2026

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GENEVA, Switzerland: Held annually on 20 March, World Oral Health Day (WOHD) highlights the role of oral health in overall health and quality of life. This year, FDI World Dental Federation is urging governments to translate the oral health commitments recognised in the 2025 UN political declaration on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of mental health and well-being into concrete action.

Adopted on 15 December 2025, the declaration marks an important development for global oral health policy. While oral disease affects almost half of the global population, it has historically received limited attention in global health strategies. The inclusion of oral disease in the NCD agenda reflects more than a decade of sustained advocacy by the global oral health community and supports FDI’s Vision 2030 of making oral healthcare accessible for all, in line with the principle that oral healthcare is a basic right.

Governments are encouraged to translate this political commitment into national policies, sustainable financing and integrated health programmes that strengthen prevention and expand access to essential oral healthcare, particularly for populations facing the greatest barriers to care.

WOHD serves as an international platform to bring together policymakers, health professionals, civil society and communities to support action on oral health. This year also marks the final phase of FDI’s three-year global campaign “A happy mouth is...”. The 2026 theme, “A happy mouth is a happy life”, highlights the importance of oral health across the life course.

“The UN political declaration changed the policy landscape for oral health,” said FDI President Dr Nikolai Sharkov. He added: “Policymakers and governments must now integrate oral health into universal health coverage efforts and national NCD strategies, while investing in prevention. Strong collaboration across sectors and stakeholders will be essential to reduce inequalities in access to care.”

Progress will depend on strong cross-sector partnerships with organisations such as Haleon, Smile Train, Solventum and Dentsply Sirona, which help support initiatives such as WOHD. “By working with organisations like FDI and its global network of national dental associations, we’re able to turn global momentum into meaningful action at a local level to deliver better everyday health,” said Jayant Singh, global head of oral health at Haleon.

“Everyone has a role to play in advancing oral health. When we join forces across sectors, we can expand access to life-changing cleft care for those who need it most,” said Dr Mónica Domínguez, director of global oral health programmes at Smile Train.

A key challenge is to sustain political momentum and turn this recognition into measurable progress for people and communities worldwide. Real progress depends on collaboration, and when private, non-profit and public health sectors unite, we can strengthen prevention, expand access to care and improve outcomes for people everywhere,” noted Karim Mansour, president of dental solutions at Solventum.

By bringing together policymakers, health professionals and civil society, WOHD supports the collective action needed to turn political recognition into meaningful progress. More information about WOHD can be found here.