White Paper Addresses Periodontal Health Issues

Fédération Dentaire Internationale, perhaps better known as the World Dental Federation, has launched new resources for oral health professionals that highlight the federation’s work to raise awareness of periodontal health as a priority area for global policy. The materials — a white paper and a practical guide on ways to reduce the burden of periodontal disease — are part of the Global Periodontal Health Project (GPHP).

The toolkit provides practical guidance on how clinicians can establish advocacy goals that will reach policymakers. Template letters to decision- makers and the media, as well as data and supporting materials, are included. In addition, oral health professionals can now access the GPHP “White Paper of Prevention and Management of Periodontal Diseases for Oral Health and General Health” at fdiworlddental.org. Calling for collaborative action worldwide, the authors spell out ways to advocate for periodontal health and integrate oral health care into all health policies. Sections on the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, current problems and major challenges of periodontal care — as well as recommendations, solutions and an action plan — are included.

From Decisions in Dentistry. May 2018;4(5):9.