The FDI General Assembly approved 10 new policy statements at the FDI World Dental Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in September. The statements address technical topics in dentistry, such as nanoparticles in dental practice, as well as broader issues, including access to quality oral healthcare for individuals who have been displaced due to conflict or other hardships in their home countries.
FDI policy statements detail FDI’s position on issues of interest within the oral health community and are put together through close consultation, discussion, and consensus among an international set of leading dental experts. FDI drafts policy statements to develop policies, strengthen standards, and share information related to all aspects of oral healthcare.
These policy statements address issues of both public and professional concern and are sensitive to varying approaches to dental care around the world, FDI reports. They are drafted to be easy to read, accessible to a wide audience, and filled with content reflecting the latest advances in the practice and science of dentistry.
Adopted by FDI member National Dental Associations (NDAs) through consensus, the policy statements can be used to bolster regional advocacy campaigns, support high-level discussions with governments, and reinforce discussions on legal and ethical regulations.
For example, different NDAs around the world used the FDI policy statement on dental amalgam and the Minamata Convention on Mercury to advocate for the use of alternative materials to amalgam for dental fillings and encourage governments to safely manage mercury waste.
FDI policy statements also can be used as educational tools or communications resources. The statements include:
- (Deep) Dentine Caries and Restorative Care
- Continuing Medical Education in Dentistry
- Dental Amalgam Phase-Down
- Dentistry and Oral Health-Related Apps
- Dentistry and Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders
- Global Periodontal Health
- Nanoparticles in Dental Practice
- National Health Policy
- Promoting Oral Health Through Fluoride Toothpaste
- Providing Basic Oral Healthcare for Displaced Persons
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