FDI World Dental Federation and Royal Philips, the makers of the Philips Sonicare toothbrush, will team up to actively promote the importance of oral health and its impact on a person’s overall health, and together promote World Oral Health Day (WOHD) 2016.
Celebrated on March 20, WOHD is an international day to raise awareness of the connection between oral and overall health. FDI member national dental associations, dental student associations and other groups organise a variety of global events.
“I’d like to welcome Philips to our group of sponsors and congratulate them for demonstrating their commitment to the cause of global oral health awareness,” said FDI President, Dr. Patrick Hescot. “WOHD is an opportunity to position oral health where it belongs: at the heart of wellbeing and quality of life.”
“For Philips, FDI World Dental Federation is a great partner,” said Egbert van Acht, CEO, Philips Health & Wellness. “Increasing education around the importance of looking after oral health is one of our key goals. We are committed to bringing meaningful innovation to address global societal needs. WOHD allows us to engage and encourage people to commit not only to their oral health, but also understand the positive impact on their overall health. At Philips, we are actively promoting the link between oral and systemic health to help improve people’s lives.”
Activities for WOHD include poster, billboard and media campaigns, free dental screening, oral health camps, literacy sessions and workshops, booklets and kits, cultural activities, debates and festivities such as flash mobs, walkathons and charity sporting events. In some countries, groups have made attempts on world records such as greatest number of people attending an oral health literacy session or brushing their teeth at one time.
