FDI’s Oral Health for an Ageing Population project celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2025. To commemorate this milestone, a series of activities have been planned throughout the year.

The June issue of the International Dental Journal (IDJ) features an editorial that marks the start of these celebratory activities. Authored by Prof. Kakuhiro Fukai, Dr Sophie Dartevelle, Prof. Judith Jones, Prof. Gerry McKenna, and Dr Hirohiko Hirano – members of the Oral Health for an Ageing Population Task Team – the editorial highlights critical issues in oral health for older adults.

Everyone, including older adults, must have the right to access necessary oral healthcare

The global demographic landscape is changing rapidly with an increasingly ageing population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2050, the number of people aged 60 and over is expected to reach a staggering 2.1 billion. This demographic shift has critical implications for public health, particularly concerning the oral health of older adults, as emphasized in the latest IDJ editorial.

The editorial celebrates the accomplishments of FDI’s project in partnership with GC Corporation, while also stressing the urgent need to prioritize the oral health of older adults. It advocates for integrating dental care into universal health coverage, recognizing that healthy ageing not only improves individual well-being but also fosters a society rooted in safety and dignity. 

Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, often encounter significant barriers when seeking care.  By including oral healthcare services into universal health coverage, we can help reduce obstacles like financial burdens and improve health outcomes for everyone.

Read the editorial now to understand the urgent need for action and explore the wealth of resources FDI has developed over the past decade to promote oral health for older adults.

Read the editorial

The FDI oral health for an ageing population project is supported by GC Corporation.