FDI launches Generation Smile global oral health movement
News provided byFDI World Dental Federation · 2 min read
At the FDI World Dental Congress in Prague today, the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) launched Generation Smile, a global oral health movement aiming to make oral health a priority for everyone, everywhere. This new initiative, unveiled on the occasion of World Oral Health Day (WOHD), seeks to unite people of all ages and backgrounds in the common goal of improving oral health and overall well-being.
"Generation Smile is not just a slogan," said Dr. Anna Lella, Chair of the WOHD Working Group. "It's a powerful call to action that highlights the importance of oral health in our daily lives and its profound impact on our communities and futures."
The campaign is built on the belief that every individual has a role to play in promoting oral health. Simple actions such as brushing twice a day, adopting healthier habits, and regularly visiting the dentist can collectively form a global movement for change. Dr. Lella emphasized, "The smile is a symbol of a healthy mouth, representing health, confidence, comfort, connection, and overall well-being. By protecting our oral health, we can create healthier communities and brighter futures."
At the heart of Generation Smile is its new visual identity, inspired by the universal language of street art, designed to transcend cultural boundaries. The campaign invites people worldwide to contribute to a global digital mural, turning individual support into a collective work of art.
"Generation Smile gives people a shared platform to say that their oral health matters and that they are committed to caring for it," stated Assist. Prof. Dr. Nikolai Sharkov, President of FDI. "We want to create a movement that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations. With nearly 3.7 billion people affected by oral diseases globally, we cannot accept that so many continue to live without the necessary oral healthcare."
World Oral Health Day, celebrated annually on March 20, has united thousands of individuals, oral health professionals, national dental associations, schools, partners, and policymakers from around the world. Generation Smile builds on this momentum, bringing all these voices under one global movement to create an even stronger force for oral health.
As World Oral Health Day returns on March 20, 2027, the FDI invites everyone to join Generation Smile and help shape a future where everyone can enjoy the lifelong benefits of optimal oral health. "Every healthy choice we make, every conversation we start, and every person we inspire brings us one step closer to our vision of a world with optimal oral health," said Dr. Sharkov.
The campaign aims to raise global awareness about the prevention and control of oral diseases, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that everyone has access to the oral healthcare they need. "Generation Smile is an invitation to everyone to be part of a movement that will make a lasting difference," concluded Dr. Sharkov.