Global: Helping to improve oral health

Helping to improve oral health on a global scale

That's why we've teamed up with the FDI World Dental Federation. Our combined reach means the partnership covers all corners of the globe.

The partnership funds projects run by national dental associations in 38 countries. Finland is the most recent addition, and the number of projects is growing all the time. The difference they make is real and sustained, ensuring that better oral care starts at the grassroots. Here are some examples:

• The Nigerian Dental Association is using a mobile dental unit to do check-ups and dental education in 44 locations. Between October 2005 and July 2007, over 23 000 people were assessed and treated. The project is expanding to other parts of the country.

• An oral hygiene awareness and prevention programme has reached 20 000 people in rural areas of Bangladesh. Dentists from all over the country give their time and expertise to educate and treat people in remote communities.

• In Greece, 1 500 children have received oral healthcare education at special summer camps supported by the partnership. A second project provides dental check-ups for children in nursery schools, giving pupils and parents important information about better oral health.

The FDI is an authoritative, independent and international voice of dentistry, founded in 1900 and representing over a million dentists worldwide. Members include 191 national dental associations and affiliated bodies in 135 countries. Our agreement with the Federation began in 2005 and has been extended until the end of 2009. The partnership means we can use the FDI logo and supportive statements on our toothpaste and toothbrushes.

We aim to ensure that the valuable work will be sustained beyond the partnership, so that good oral health will cease to be the privilege of the few.