Vision 2030 Capacity-Building Workshops

To support the implementation implementation of Vision 2030, FDI continued its efforts to fight the sugar and tobacco epidemics through its Vision 2030 capacity-building workshops.

The workshops encompass three strategic goals: knowledge transfer, advocacy and capacity building.

They aim to arm members with the tools to advocate for optimal oral health in their country-specific context.

The first set of FDI’s Vision 2030 capacity-building workshops entitled Two Risk Factors Too Many Diseases were held in partnership with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) in Mumbai, India, in June 2022. A high-level roundtable discussion, jointly organized by FDI and IDA, included representatives from significant organizations such as the Government of India, World Health Organization, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Tata Memorial Centre, and Indian Council of Medical Research, amongst others. Following the success of the roundtable session, two days of workshops focused on possible policy and advocacy solutions to reduce sugar consumption, and stop tobacco use in all its forms.

The momentum from India continued through to Nepal, and then subsequently the Bahamas in November, where leading figures and dental associations from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) became involved. The CARICOM Vision 2030 capacity-building workshop was the first FDI event to be held in the Caribbean region for many years. It resulted in the development of the CARICOM Declaration on Sugar Sweetened Beverages. Six National Dental Associations committed to tackling the problem in their countries.

FDI and the International Association of Dental Students (IADS) hosted a practical workshop on ‘How to Implement an Advocacy Project.’ It provided practical skills for global dental students to tackle risk factors such as sugar, tobacco, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and physical inactivity in their countries. Dental student associations from 17 countries pledged to implement an advocacy campaign in their countries.

As a result, a declaration on Sugary Drinks and Healthy Food was endorsed by key health organizations in India, signifying their commitment to reduce sugary drink consumption. As a result of the workshop, India observed its first national No Sugar Day on 1 November.

The FDI Smile Grant is supported by the Whole Mouth Health project. A grant of CHF 5,000 is accorded to FDI member National Dental Associations (NDAs) that are making a difference in oral health through innovative and sustainable community outreach projects in their countries.

The 2022 Smile Grant winners were, the: Australian Dental Association for its Watch Your Mouth podcast, which provides evidence-based and up-to-date oral health advice to the Australian public, who can listen to its episodes on-the-go, such as during their daily commute.

Korean Dental Association for its Smile Run Festival, an annual marathon race designed to raise awareness and support low-income patients with facial disfigurement and oral cancer.