World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is organized by FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) and is celebrated annually on 20 March. Each year, FDI recognizes outstanding contributions to this global awareness campaign through the WOHD Awards. FDI warmly congratulates all winners for their exemplary work and hopes that their efforts will inspire others to lead equally engaging campaigns of their own. The award winners contribute to the overall impact of the 2019 WOHD campaign, which hosted 456 events in 161 countries, engaged 700,000 people on social media, and achieved a media reach of a record-breaking 2.8 billion people.

The following awards were presented by FDI President Dr Kathryn Kell during the WOHD 2020 campaign launch on 5 September.

2019 World Oral Health Day Award Winners

Most Educational Activity

Czech Dental Chamber: The Czech Dental Chamber organized a number of events across Prague (28 different locations) to celebrate WOHD. Events took place in kindergartens, primary and grammar schools, secondary nursing schools and higher education nursing schools, at the General University Hospital in Prague, community centers, orphanages, and retirement homes.

Best Media Campaign

Vietnam Odonto-Stomatology Association (VOSA): VOSA organized free dental check-ups and basic treatment for children in primary schools, as well as free dental check-ups for members of the local community.  VOSA’s WOHD activities and celebration were featured prominently in the local media. VOSA leadership were interviewed on television and television stations were present at a large-scale WOHD celebration.

Most Original Activity

HCCM Russia: On World Oral Health Day, HCCM Russia organized public events in Ekaterinburg to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and its close relationship to oral health. (Ekaterinburg has the highest rates of people living with HIV in the country – almost every 50th citizen in the city is infected with HIV). Special emphasis was given to recognizing the signs of HIV in the oral cavity and HIV-preventive measures.

Best Social Media Campaign

Sudanese Association of Dental Students (SADS): SADS had a strong social media presence, especially on Facebook. A single post elicited 127 likes, 31 comments, and 27 shares, with a potential reach of 7,643 people. The SADS Facebook page was updated regularly throughout the month of March to promote and report on their WOHD activities. The campaign had a significant impact: dental students examined, diagnosed and gave free treatment to approximately 250 members of the community.

Ready for next year’s campaign? Find out about WOHD 2020 and how you can get involved: www.worldoralhealthday.org