FDI's Whole Mouth Health programme unveils new resources to revolutionize oral health education
GENEVA: Oral diseases affect approximately half of the global population (3.7 billion people), and they are the most common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide. Considering the severity of the problem, the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) launched Whole Mouth Health (WMH) programme in 2019. Under this program, the FDI has released a new set of resources to enhance oral health education worldwide through the Whole Mouth Health (WMH) programme.
The WMH initiative explores the meaning of oral health in people’s daily lives, aiming to reshape how oral health education reflects their real-world experiences. Unlike traditional methods, WMH employs a co-design approach, working directly with diverse communities to capture their beliefs, challenges, and unique perspectives on oral health.
The Whole Mouth Health project: transforming oral health education
Through workshops in four countries, the project investigated how different communities define a “healthy mouth” by considering aspects like comfort, functionality, aesthetics, and overall well-being. These findings are shaping new, more inclusive educational approaches that prioritize people's needs.
Introducing new resources for global impact
FDI’s latest materials are designed to build on the years of research and community engagement fostered by the WMH project. These include a video, infographics, and a white paper, all of which aim to deepen understanding and expand oral health literacy:
Video: What Whole Mouth Health means around the world
The video introduces the WMH project and highlights how the co-design approach allows community voices to directly influence oral health education. It provides an overview of the project’s goals, methodology, and insights gathered from diverse global communities.
Infographics: Community findings of a "healthy mouth"
The two-part infographic series offers:
- An overview of the Whole Mouth Health project and its co-design method, including the innovative WMH Arcade.
- Key findings from community workshops, showcasing how people from various cultures define oral health.
These visuals offer a global perspective on oral health, illustrating the importance of a people-centred approach to education.
White Paper: Insights and recommendations
The white paper provides in-depth evidence supporting the co-design process and presents recommendations for improving oral health literacy, fostering behaviour change, and enhancing prevention efforts. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders aiming to implement effective interventions.
Innovative solutions for global oral health challenges
Oral health literacy and behaviour change remain significant global challenges. The Whole Mouth Health programme stands at the forefront of transforming educational approaches by integrating real-world community experiences. These new resources mark a key milestone in FDI’s mission to advance person-centred oral health on a global scale, paving the way for more inclusive, accessible, and effective health education worldwide.
Stay informed with Dental News Pakistan
CLICK HERE TO JOIN our WhatsApp community for verified global oral health updates, expert insights, and the latest dental innovations delivered straight to your phone.