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A roadmap for the future – tackling issues today for a better tomorrow

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  Posted by: Dental Design      20th September 2019

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, presents the Foundation’s 2024 strategy.

We have recently launched our new strategy for how we can contribute to bringing better oral health for all.

We look to build a healthier society through eradicating dental disease and ultimately improve the quality of life for millions across the globe.

The challenges we face are clear. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in the world, affecting over half of the world’s adult population. Around half a million people have been diagnosed with mouth cancer in the last year. Gum disease is still one of the world’s most common health conditions and is linked to wider problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

We envisage a better future, where people live longer and happier lives as a result of having a healthy mouth. This starts with developing healthier communities. We pledge to organise new campaigns on key topics including sugar, alcohol, smoking and drug awareness. We also aim to build on the successes of National Smile Month and Mouth Cancer Action Month. Both require more of the fantastic support the dental profession has provided for years.

These campaigns play a vital part in giving the most vulnerable members of society guidance for better oral health.

It is important that everybody has the ability to access support and advice about their oral health. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to communication on oral health, and we must make sure the needs of all are met.

At the forefront of that communication network will be health care professionals. We want to make your task of getting vital information across to your patients easier. This will involve expanding our range of programmes and resources so that there is something that can benefit as many of your patients as possible.

However, we are also mindful that there is a lot of work to be done outside the surgery. Changes in policy and legislation can really have a positive impact nationwide, especially in the most disadvantaged communities. The relationships we forge with like-minded organisations who are also passionate about delivering better oral health are absolutely invaluable.

There is no doubt in my mind that we are stronger together.

There are plenty of reasons to be positive as we set out our plans for the next few years. We will always look to continue to strive for excellence, adapt to challenges that lie ahead and support a truly fantastic profession.

Our vision is to live in a world where everybody has a healthy mouth and the Oral Health Foundation will work tirelessly to achieve this. We would love to have your support.

If you are interested in joining as a supporter and helping us further to continue our important work in improving oral healthcare, please visit: www.dentalhealth.org/support-us/.

The Oral Health Foundation’s strategy 2024 in full can be downloaded in full by visiting www.dentalhealth.org/strategy2024.


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