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World Oral Health Day 2026: Urgent Call to Action by FDI

On March 20, 2026, the International Dental Federation (FDI) is rallying a global response to the serious health crisis posed by oral diseases, which affect nearly 3.7 billion people worldwide. In anticipation of World Oral Health Day, the federation urged governments to transform the commitments made in the UN's 2025 Political Declaration into real-world actions. This unprecedented declaration emphasizes the critical role that oral health plays in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health issues.

The significance of the UN Politic Declaration, ratified in December 2025, marks a pivotal moment for global public health policy regarding oral diseases. Shockingly, a considerable portion of the global population—nearly half—suffers from oral health issues, yet these conditions have historically been overshadowed in health strategies at both national and international levels. The shift towards prioritizing oral health in the NCD agenda is credited to a decade-long effort by health organizations and the FDI, alongside various stakeholders in oral health.

As a result of this new political directive, it is imperative for governments to implement national policies that provide sustainable funding and integrated health programs. Such measures must focus on prevention strategies while ensuring that essential dental care services are accessible to all, particularly to marginalized populations who face greater barriers to access.

World Oral Health Day is an international platform designed to harness the collective power of policymakers, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and communities, pushing for actionable change in the realm of oral health. The ongoing campaign, which aims to raise awareness and promote the prevention and control of oral diseases, was highlighted through the motto of the 2026 event: “A happy mouth is a happy life.” This slogan encapsulates the integrity of oral health across various life stages, from pregnancy and early childhood to old age.

Dr. Anna Lella, chair of the World Oral Health Day task force, pointed out that oral health is fundamental for individuals to nourish, communicate, relate to others, and experience life with dignity. Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases remain one of the most prevalent conditions globally.

The FDI also highlighted that these oral diseases share numerous modifiable risk factors with other NCDs, such as tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets high in sugar. Therefore, integrating oral health into national prevention strategies is not just logical; it is essential to advance the overall health priorities of nations.

Dr. Nikolai Sharkov, the president of the FDI, stated, “The UN political declaration has revolutionized the landscape of oral health policy. It is now the responsibility of policymakers to incorporate oral health into universal health coverage systems and national strategies for NCDs, as well as to enhance investment in prevention.” Effective collaboration among sectors and stakeholders will be fundamental to diminishing inequalities in healthcare access.

The responsibility of turning policy into tangible improvements lies with robust inter-sectoral partnerships, which include support from entities like Haleon, Smile Train, Solventum, and Dentsply Sirona. These organizations will play a vital role in driving initiatives such as World Oral Health Day globally.

Jayant Singh, global oral health lead for Haleon, stressed that while global recognition is a significant step forward, it is the partnerships that translate this momentum into real, local actions focused on improving day-to-day health for individuals and enabling initiatives like World Oral Health Day on a community level.

Moreover, Dr. Mónica Domínguez of Smile Train echoed the sentiment that everyone has a role to play in enhancing oral health. Through collaborative efforts across various sectors, access to treatments that can significantly change lives, such as those for cleft lips, can be expanded.

As this initiative gains global momentum, it is crucial to maintain the political will and translate recognition into substantial progress for individuals and communities worldwide. As Karim Mansour, president of dental solutions at Solventum, noted, “Oral health is essential to overall wellness and quality of life. True progress hinges on collaboration across public, private, and non-profit sectors. Working together, we can bolster preventive measures, expand health access, and improve the oral health of populations worldwide.”

The ultimate goal is clear: to eliminate existing disparities and achieve universal recognition of oral health as an accessible right for everyone by 2030.

For additional resources and details, visit World Oral Health Day and follow their initiatives via social media hashtags like #WOHD26 and #HappyMouth.