WHO Declares Oral Health a Global Health Priority

The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a resolution that elevates oral health to a global health priority and calls for member states to ingrate oral health within national policies. The new resolution was adopted at the 74th World Health Assembly.

According to the new resolution, WHO recommends member states address key risk factors of oral diseases shared with other noncommunicable diseases, expand the capabilities of oral health professionals, and strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration across key settings.

WHO will develop a draft global strategy on tackling oral diseases for consideration, and by 2023 will put that strategy into an action plan and recommend interventions.

The FDI World Dental Federation deemed the resolution historic, and Philips announced its support for the resolution, promising to continue to prioritize digital innovation and research designed to help dental professionals further develop a holistic, preventive approach to oral and systemic health.