World Oral Health Day is celebrated globally every year on 20 March and is organized by FDI World Dental Federation. World Oral Health Day was launched in 2013 to raise awareness of the importance of good oral health and its significance in safeguarding general health and well-being. This is done through an international awareness campaign created and launched by FDI World Dental Federation, adapted and promoted locally by national dental associations in over 140 countries worldwide.
History
WOHD was officially launched in 2007 and was originally celebrated on 12 September, the birth date of FDI founder Dr Charles Godon. However, the campaign was not fully activated until 2013, when further to a decision by FDI’s General Assembly (governing body) in September 2012 the date was changed to 20 March. The main reason for this being to avoid conflict with FDI’s World Dental Congress which took place during the same period.
The new date was chosen to reflect that:
- Seniors must have a total of 20 natural teeth at the end of their life to be considered healthy
- Children should possess 20 baby teeth
- Healthy adults must have a total of 32 teeth and 0 dental cavities
- Expressed on a numerical basis this can be translated as 3/20 hence March 20
Previous campaigns
FDI spearheads WOHD and develops the campaign strategy, messaging and toolkit material, which is then rolled out through our over 200 member organizations – comprising NDAs and other organizations with an interest in oral health. Previous campaign themes:
- 2013: Healthy Teeth for a Healthy Life
- 2014: Celebrating Healthy Smiles
- 2015: Smile for Life!
- 2016: Healthy mouth. Health body.
- 2017: Live Mouth Smart
