Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 4

CDA Supports the FDI World Dental Federation Definition of Oral Health In June, CDA launched a new page on the CDA website ( cda-adc.ca/oralhealth ) which helps to explain the FDI World Dental Federation’s definition of oral health to Canadians. CDA’s public-facing version of the FDI definition of oral health is: Oral health is part of your overall health. With a healthy mouth you can eat, speak and smile in comfort, which helps you feel physically, socially and mentally well. A healthy mouth helps you enjoy life. Talk to Your Dentist, Your Health Partner To help people understand the connection between oral health and overall health, the new public webpage brings together information about: • common health and lifestyle risk factors; • disease prevention; • establishing a good oral hygiene routine; • tips for living a healthier lifestyle; • the dentist as your partner in health; and • links to other related resources. “I sincerely thank the volunteer members of CDA’s Promotion of Care Task Force, all members of the Dental Communications Group, and CDA staff for their collective input and commitment in making these new resources come to life,” says Mr. Joel Neal, CEO of CDA. “Special acknowledgements go out to Dr. Joel Antel, chair of the Task Force since 2019, for his leadership and dedication on this initiative.” CDA will regularly promote this oral health definition messaging and new webpage with graphic cards on its corporate social media channels. In April 2019, CDA adopted the FDI definition of oral health. There was considerable Canadian input into its creation at FDI, it has been cited in the media and other sources and this definition is comprehensive and specific, making it useful for all stakeholders. During CDA’s 2019 Canadian Oral Health Roundtable, there was consensus that CDA should develop public-facing communication materials using language or terminology that would be easy for members of the public to understand. 8 | 2021 | Issue 4