CDA Essentials 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 4

11 Issue 4 | 2019 | CDA at W ork Making Connections at the Canadian Oral Health Roundtable The Canadian Oral Health Roundtable (COHR) is an annual gathering of professionals collaborating across a range of disciplines to improve the oral health of Canadians. Photos: Teckles Photo Inc. Definition of Oral Health Oral health is multi-faceted and includes the ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow and convey a range of emotions through facial expressions with confidence and without pain, discomfort and disease of the craniofacial complex. Further attributes related to the definition state that oral health: – is a fundamental component of health and physical andmental well-being. It exists along a continuum influenced by the values and attitudes of individuals and communities; – reflects the physiological, social and psychological attributes that are essential to the quality of life; – is influenced by the individual’s changing experiences, perceptions, expectations and ability to adapt to circumstances. Organized and hosted by CDA, this year’s COHR meeting focused on a proposed framework for “essential dental care,” which includes a clear definition of oral health. Over 70 people participated in discussions, including representatives from dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental therapists, denturists, physicians, nurses, academics, policy makers, pharmacists and patient advocacy groups. The themes which emerged from these discussions were considered by the CDA Board of Directors, who voted to adopt the FDI World Dental Federation definition of oral health, which positions oral health as an integral part of general health and well-being. This definition will allow for standardized oral health assessment and measurement tools. a