Ten Years of Oral Health Data: What the Oral Health Observatory Tells Us About the Future of Oral Health
In this episode of The Dental Check-Up Podcast, Prof. Sarah Baker and Prof. Georgios Tsakos discuss findings from the FDI Oral Health Observatory (OHO) 10-year impact report and what a decade of data tells us about the future of oral health.
Drawing on data collected across 12 countries and from more than 10,000 patients, the discussion explores oral health status, lifestyle behaviours, quality of life and access to care across diverse settings. The episode examines the significant burden of oral diseases, the influence of preventive behaviours, and the barriers to good oral health, including access, affordability and workforce capacity.
The discussion also reflects on what the OHO initiative has achieved over the past decade, the lessons and limitations of the programme, and how robust, standardised oral health data can support policy, advocacy and system strengthening. Looking ahead, the speakers consider how OHO can contribute to stronger surveillance, improved equity and access to oral healthcare.
Read the OHO 10-year impact report
FDI would like to thank Haleon for their support in the development of the OHO 10-year impact report.
Learning Objectives
- Describe key findings from 10 years of OHO data and what they reveal about oral health across diverse settings.
- Explain how oral health data can support evidence-based policy, advocacy and system strengthening.
- Explain how oral health outcomes are influenced by more than individual behaviours.
- Discuss the lessons learned from OHO and opportunities to strengthen oral health surveillance, equity and access in the future.
About this episode’s guests
Prof. Sarah Baker
Sarah Baker is Professor of Place-Based Health and Care at the University of Lincoln and a Chartered Psychologist. Her research applies health psychology to improve oral health and reduce inequalities. She received the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in 2018 and 2025 and has served as Editor-in-Chief of Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology since 2021.
Prof. Georgios Tsakos
Georgios Tsakos is Professor of Dental Public Health at UCL. He contributes to the WHO Collaborating Centre of Oral Health Inequalities and Public Health, in national epidemiological surveys and FDI programmes. He served as Chair of the Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe, and in 2023 received the IADR Distinguished Scientist award for Behavioural, Epidemiologic and Health Services Research.