Haleon highlights prevention, research and access to oral healthcare at FDI congress

Unlocking opportunities for early intervention

The inclusion of oral disease in the 2025 UN political declaration reflects growing recognition that improving health outcomes will require greater collaboration across healthcare systems. Haleon supports this broader agenda through partnerships with organisations such as the NCD Alliance, helping to champion prevention and strengthen understanding of oral health as part of wider non-communicable disease strategies.

“It is a challenge that no single organisation can solve alone,” said Adam Sisson, head of research and development for oral health at Haleon. “Improving oral health outcomes requires collaboration involving policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, industry and patient groups,” he continued.

That collaboration is already creating opportunities to better understand how oral health could contribute to wider prevention efforts. One example is INDICATE-2, a UK study led by the University of Birmingham and supported by Haleon, exploring how routine dental appointments could help identify people at risk of Type 2 diabetes. According to Haleon, the programme has now screened 5,000 patients.

“It is an important milestone in a programme that demonstrates the potential of routine dental visits to support earlier identification of health risks,” Sisson emphasised. “Programmes like INDICATE-2 show how oral healthcare can contribute to improving health outcomes far beyond the mouth and harnessing the power of trusted dental professionals at this first point of care.”

In collaboration with FDI, Haleon is also supporting the development of educational materials for other healthcare professionals. The resources are designed to enable these professionals to integrate basic oral healthcare services into routine practice. The materials include educational modules, fact sheets and infographics covering areas such as periodontal disease, dentine hypersensitivity and the relationship between oral and systemic health.

Turning science into meaningful impact

As understanding of the links between oral health and overall health continues to evolve, advancing oral health science remains important. According to Haleon, the company has supported dental research in the UK for more than a decade, including funding nearly 100 PhD students, and has invested in research spanning periodontal health, dentine hypersensitivity and the relationship between the oral microbiome and systemic disease. Globally, the company continues to invest in research, scientific partnerships and initiatives such as FDI’s Oral Health Observatory, which has recently released a report showcasing over a decade of practice-based data from more than 10,000 patients in over 12 countries. The initiative aims to strengthen understanding of oral health needs and provide evidence to support research, policy and advocacy.

Haleon is also investing in the future of oral health innovation through its Global Oral Health Innovation Centre, which is expected to open in Weybridge in the UK next year. The facility is planned to bring together digitally enabled research laboratories, a consumer behavioural research unit and other research and development capabilities.

However, scientific progress only creates impact when it translates into solutions that improve people’s lives. Consumer needs and expectations are evolving across markets. Increasingly, people are looking for solutions that address multiple needs, fit more seamlessly into everyday life and support broader well-being.

Haleon combines trusted science with local consumer insights to respond to those needs. Innovations such as Sensodyne Clinical White and Clinical Repair form part of the expanded Sensodyne Clinical Range, which has been rolled out across over 30 markets. The company has also adapted its parodontax toothpaste to consumer preferences in China, including a sweeter flavour profile and richer foaming experience.

In India, lower-cost Sensodyne packs and motorbike-based outreach teams are helping to expand access and raise awareness in rural communities. These teams use chill tests to help people recognise signs of dentine hypersensitivity, supported by oral health information and specialist solutions to help manage it.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to oral health. People’s needs, preferences and behaviours differ significantly across populations. Yet, everywhere we operate, consumers are looking for trusted, science-backed solutions that help them take greater control of their health,” Sisson emphasised.

Improving everyday lives

Although the links between oral health and overall health are increasingly recognised, their impact is often felt most acutely in everyday life. Whether it is helping someone enjoy a meal without discomfort, manage xerostomia, regain confidence in smiling or adapt to wearing dentures for the first time, oral health can have a profound influence on daily well-being.

Dentine hypersensitivity is one example. The condition can make ordinary experiences uncomfortable, such as consuming hot or cold food and beverages. Through Sensodyne, Haleon offers specialist products designed to provide relief from and protection against dentine hypersensitivity.

For Singh, the connection between oral health and quality of life will remain central to oral care. “The future of oral health isn’t just about improving clinical outcomes. It is about helping people live their lives to the fullest. Whether that’s enjoying a meal without discomfort, speaking with confidence or maintaining quality of life, oral health has a profound role to play in overall well-being,” he said.

As a platinum partner of the 2026 FDI World Dental Congress, Haleon is showcasing the science, innovation and collaborations helping to shape the future of oral health. It is also an opportunity to connect with dental professionals and industry partners from around the world who share a common goal: helping people achieve better everyday health through better oral health. More information about the company can be found at www.haleon.com.