Special WHO oral health session at EuroPerio11

Dental Tribune International

Fri. 9. May 2025

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VIENNA, Austria: Next week, a special session at EuroPerio11 will highlight recent global developments shaping the future of oral health policy. Set against the backdrop of growing international momentum, this focused symposium will spotlight efforts to elevate oral health on the agenda for global non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Since the adoption of the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) global resolution on oral health in 2021, the profile of oral health has risen significantly among governments and global health stakeholders. For the first time, oral healthcare is being integrated into broader healthcare strategies, in recognition of its relevance to NCDs. WHO’s call for the inclusion of oral health services within universal health coverage and for their integration into primary care has served as a crucial advocacy lever for national and regional policymakers.

The momentum continued with the first WHO global oral health meeting, held in November last year, which required member states to submit road maps for implementing the WHO’s Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023–2030. The outcome of this meeting—the Bangkok Declaration—was endorsed by numerous countries and civil society organisations, marking a key milestone in international cooperation.

However, challenges have emerged. Recent reductions in WHO funding, notably after the withdrawal of support by the current US administration, have raised concerns about the sustainability of recent gains. In the WHO European Region, approximately 17% of funding was reliant on the US, prompting calls for renewed commitment and support across all sectors.

Civil society has a pivotal role in this context. The WHO action plan outlines specific responsibilities for non-governmental stakeholders, underlining the need for a united front. The Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe—a coalition of professional and civil society organisations—has worked to ensure that oral health remains high on the EU policy agenda. Ahead of the 2024 European Parliament elections, the platform released its 2024–2029 manifesto, calling on EU institutions to back the WHO strategy and advocating for coordinated implementation efforts across Europe.

In light of the next United Nation’s high-level meeting on NCDs scheduled for September, the EuroPerio11 symposium aims to reinforce this advocacy. The special WHO oral health session will explore how the periodontal health community and the wider dental community can support global efforts and ensure that oral disease receives equal attention alongside other major NCDs.

Dr Dympna Kavanagh, chief dental officer for Ireland and chair of the Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe, will present on the current status of the WHO agenda. Drawing on her extensive experience in health policy development and cross-departmental collaboration, Dr Kavanagh will provide a comprehensive update on ongoing initiatives and the role of dental professionals in advancing them. Her talk will reflect on strategic EU collaborations and national implementation pathways aligned with WHO objectives. Overall, this session is expected to offer critical context and insight for those committed to shaping a healthier future through integrated oral health policy.

The session, titled “Breaking news from the World Health Organization: What in the world is going on? How we can advocate for better oral health for all,” will take place on 17 May from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. More information about the EuroPerio programme can be found at www.efp.org/europerio.