FDI World Dental Federation reveals theme for World Oral Health Day

World Oral Health Day (WOHD), a global initiative of the FDI World Dental Federation, of which the ADA is a longstanding and active member, occurs annually on 20 March, with the worldwide campaign dedicated to bringing the people of the world together "to champion oral health as an essential part of overall health and well-being". 

At the recently concluded FDI World Dental Congress, Generation Smile – the oral health movement for all was unveiled as the new platform for WOHD with FDI pitching it as a comprehensively inclusive initiative which applies to everyone, no matter their age.

The new theme, which is tailored as Join Generation Smile for 2027’s WOHD, stresses that everyone has a part to play in making oral health a priority and that every action counts, whether it's "brushing twice a day, adopting healthier habits, visiting a dentist regularly, encouraging others to care for their teeth and gums, or advocating for the right to oral health for all". 

Importantly, the theme aims to firmly link oral health with overall health and wellbeing, with aiming to making a lasting change in the oral health of people across the globe. 

"The smile is not the outcome. It is the symbol of everything a healthy mouth makes possible – from health to confidence, comfort, connection and well-being. By helping people protect their oral health throughout life, Generation Smile aims to create healthier communities and brighter futures around the world," said Dr Anna Lella, WOHD Working Group Chair. 

Inspired by the universal language of street art, Generation Smile introduces a bold new visual identity designed to transcend borders and cultures. Throughout the campaign, people around the world will be invited to add their voice to a global digital mural – turning individual support into a collective work of art. 

"With Generation Smile, we want to give people a shared space to say: my oral health matters and caring for it matters too. We want to create a movement for lifelong oral health – because oral health has the power to change lives, and everyone can be part of that change," said Assist. Prof. Dr Nikolai Sharkov, President of FDI.  

"With nearly 3.7 billion people affected by oral diseases worldwide, we cannot accept that so many continue to live without the oral healthcare they need. Every healthy choice we make, every conversation we start, and every person we inspire brings us one step closer to FDI's vision of a world with optimal oral health. Generation Smile is an invitation to people everywhere to join a movement that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations." 

Next year, WOHD 2027 will invite everyone, no matter who they are or where they may live, to become a part of Generation Smile, and to "help shape a future where everyone can realize their right to oral health and enjoy the lifelong benefits of a healthy mouth."