The World Dental Federation (FDI) unveiled the three-year theme (2021 – 2023) for its annual World Oral Health Day (WOHD) event, encouraging people across the globe to “Be Proud of Your Mouth”.
By adopting this theme, FDI is hoping to “motivate people to value and take care of their mouths and understand that by doing so, they can also help protect their general health and well-being.”
World Oral Health Day is observed on March 20.
This year, free dental check-ups, oral health counselling and preventive procedures will be carried out at the community space adjacent to the Harbour Centre running along the Nubukalou Creek.
The Fiji Dental Association and the Fiji Dental Students Association are partnering with the School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Fiji National University, Colgate Palmolive (Fiji) Limited, Wrigleys Oral Health Care Program and the Suva City Council to deliver this service.
Four key messages are being put forward as part of the “Be Proud of Your Mouth campaign:
1. Oral health is one of the main pillars of overall health and well-being
2. Managing risk factors for oral diseases can also help avoid other health conditions
3. Most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages
4. Universal Health Coverage: every person, everywhere should have access to the health services they need without the risk of financial hardship when paying for them
Keeping these in mind the Fiji Dental Association together with the Fiji Dental Students Association would like to help you:
1. Look after oral health for overall health.
2. Protect your mouth while you’re on the go.
3. Learn good oral health habits.
4. Take charge of your oral health.
5. Learn more about eating a balanced, low sugar diet.
6. Practice good oral hygiene routine.
7. Visit the dentist regularly.
We urge everyone in the greater Suva area who has not had access to a dentist this past 12 months to come over for a free check-up this Saturday from 9am to 4pm.
We will be there to empower, encourage and provide personalized information about your oral health.
Let us all be responsible and take ownership of our oral health and retain the “Bula Smiles” for which we are globally famous for.
The associations would like to work with the media outlets to promote the “Be Proud of Your Mouth” message.
We have several dentists who can speak in vernacular too and are available on Friday early morning for radio station interviews.
