Volume 7 • 2020 • Issue 7

A t the dawn of the 20th century, dentistrywas a profession still largely in its infancy; often, it was carried out by barbers, village blacksmiths or “market surgeons,” who did extractions in public. Dr. Godon had degrees in both medicine and dentistry and founded the School of Dentistry in Paris in 1880; he believed in science-based dentistry and strong institutions to support it. He envisioned FDI as an organization that would harness the expertise of formally trained dentists, across borders, to provide better oral health care around the world. The first annual World Dental Congress was held in London and Cambridge, UK, in 1901. In 1948, FDI secured official‐ relation status with the World Health Organization (WHO) and consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council. This has allowed FDI to represent the voice of oral health when policies are developed at a global level. Dr. Burton Conrod of Baddeck, Nova Scotia, a former CDA president, was the first Canadian dentist to serve as FDI president, between 2007 and 2009. “Leaders of many national dental organizations use their experience to further the work of FDI, and I was most impressed with the way these leaders worked together, despite coming from very diverse backgrounds,” Dr. Conrod told JCDA in 2007. “FDI volunteers firmly believe they can make a difference and that FDI has a FDI World Dental Federation 120th Anniversary On August 15, 1900, Dr. Charles Godon and five other dentists founded Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI) in Paris. The organization’s mission was to hold dental congresses to advance the art and science of dentistry and promote dental education, oral hygiene and public dental health. positive impact on global health.” Dr. Jack Cottrell of Port Perry, Ontario, also a CDA past-president, served as an FDI council member for six years and as treasurer for two terms. In 2020, FDI represents the world's national dental associations and specialist groups, including over 1 million dentists in more than 130 countries. For the last 120 years, it has developed educational curricula for the dental profession and strategies for providing access to oral health care in different national contexts. “FDI has made great strides since Dr. Charles Godon founded our organization in 1900, and we still have work to do,” says Dr. Gerhard K. Seeberger, FDI president. “I will continue to honour our founder’s legacy by adopting an unwavering focus on improvement and further development of the dental profession.” Among FDI’s continuing priorities are sharing knowledge, science and continuing education opportunities among the global dental community; increasing oral health literacy; and improving the oral health of people around the world. As well, FDI will strengthen initiatives calling for the inclusion of comprehensive oral care services at the primary healthcare level to improve overall health outcomes. Visit the FDI website for more on its 120 Year celebrations: fdiworlddental.org The first FDI World Dental Congress, Cambridge, UK, 1901. Canada's delegate (Dr. Pearson) is seated in the front row, second from right. 19 Issue 7 | 2020 |