Alexandria, VA, USA – A Hands-on Workshop exploring how meaningful public communication on the value of oral health can bring about positive policy change was presented at the 102nd General Session of the IADR, which was held in conjunction with the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research and the 48th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research, on March 13-16, 2024, in New Orleans, LA, USA.
In August 2023, the WHO launched a Civil Society Commission “to channel advice from civil society to WHO on health priorities,” which presented a unique opportunity for oral health to make its voice heard. Despite having unique access to the public, communication between dentists and patients remains poor, particularly in terms of research. The provision of dental care has been traditionally paternalistic and it is important to meaningfully engage with patients, particularly those in marginalised and hard-to-reach groups.
This action-oriented workshop focused on how meaningful communication on the value of oral health in holistic care can be established to enhance implementation research, reduce inequalities, and improve health and well-being for all. As advocated within the WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan, the engagement of academic, professional, and government bodies by community representatives and patients can only be realized when patient views are actively sought and seriously considered. Examples of raising awareness of oral health issues that have resulted in policy change include the recent public campaigns on sugars in Latin America, the Deamonte Driver death in Baltimore, and the participation of the public in water fluoridation debates.
The power of using successful models in different countries, settings, contexts and age groups will serve as motivator for action through the voice of civil society. This agenda can be coordinated via task forces and other oral health alliances for the implementation of change in policy on national oral health priorities.
Organized by Peter Mossey, the Hands-on Workshop, “Putting The Mouth Back in the Body: Giving It a Voice” took place on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 2 p.m. Central Standard Time (UTC-6).
About IADR
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research for health and well-being worldwide. IADR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit, and private-sector institutions who share our mission. Learn more at www.iadr.org.
About AADOCR
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being. AADOCR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit, and private-sector institutions who share our mission. AADOCR is the largest division of IADR. Learn more at www.aadocr.org.