FDI World Dental Federation and Royal Philips, the makers of the Philips Sonicare toothbrush, will team up to actively promote the importance of oral health and its impact on a person’s overall health, and together promote World Oral Health Day (WOHD) 2016.
World Oral Health Day, celebrated on 20 March, is an international day to raise awareness of the connection between oral health and overall health. FDI member national dental associations, dental student associations and other groups, organize a variety of global events.
“I’d like to welcome Philips to our group of sponsors and congratulate them for demonstrating their commitment to the cause of global oral health awareness,” said FDI President, Dr Patrick Hescot. “World Oral Health Day is an opportunity to position oral health where it belongs: at the heart of wellbeing and quality of life.”
“For Philips, FDI World Dental Federation is a great partner,” said Egbert van Acht, CEO, Philips Health & Wellness. “Increasing education around the importance of looking after oral health is one of our key goals. We are committed to bringing meaningful innovation to address global societal needs. WOHD allows us to engage and encourage people to commit not only to their oral health, but also understand the positive impact on their overall health. At Philips, we are actively promoting the link between oral and systemic health to help improve people’s lives.”
Activities for WOHD include poster, billboard and media campaigns, free dental screening, oral health camps, literacy sessions and workshops, booklets and kits, cultural activities, debates, and festivities such as flashmobs, walkathons and charity sporting events. In some countries, groups have made attempts on world records such as greatest number of people attending an oral health literacy session or brushing their teeth at one time.
For more information, visit www.worldoralhealthday.org.
About FDI World Dental Federation
FDI World Dental Federation serves as the principal representative body for over one million dentists worldwide. Its membership includes some 200 national member associations and specialist groups in over 130 countries. FDI’s vision: ‘leading the world to optimal oral health.’ www.fdiworldental.org
About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2014 sales of EUR 21.4 billion and employs approximately 106,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
