Recently, the World Health Organization published a "Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health". This document is a plan of realization of previously approved WHO resolution aimed at improving the quality of dental services on the whole planet.
The program contains a list of global targets that should be reached by 2030, helping about 3.5 billion (in the future, this number will probably rapidly grow) people suffering from different oral diseases. This initiative involves cooperation with civil society organizations, government institutions, associations of professionals, etc.
Thus, the Strategy will affect the dental industry in many ways, which is a good reason to know more about its goals.
Global Oral Healthcare
By 2030, WHO will make dental services more available for people across the world by changing the politics of field development. WHO is planning to cooperate with local health authorities to provide additional sources and promotion powers, involving partnerships with private organizations.
As estimated by the end of the Strategy term, more than 80% of the global population will have access to essential oral health services. Thus, the number of oral disease cases over human life will decrease by 10%.
Governance Strategy
Also, the WHO will involve local governments to build a sustainable strategy for dental industry development, establishing partnerships between the private medical sector and health organizations.
These actions are going to change the global approach to oral health policy. By 2030, the WHO will establish special strategies for the Ministry of Health in more than 80% of involved states, improving the average quality of dental services. Also, according to Global Strategy, by that time, more than 90% of countries will implement the Mianamata Convention on Mercury, reducing the usage of specific dental materials that are toxic and harmful to the Earth's environment.
The question of ecological production is becoming more popular in modern days, and, except for the toxic dental amalgams, dentistry also has trouble with high carbon emissions, as in every technological industry.
Food and drink control
Also, the WHO will discuss strategies for reducing unhealthy food production with local authorities of the involved countries, providing special public policies. First, the Strategy aimed to cut the sugar intake in meals and drinks by 50% in 2030. The similar policies are also provided for alcohol and tobacco production.
Workforce and Healthcare Quality
The crucial part of effective dental services - is a qualified staff. WHO will communicate with local health institutions and associations of professionals to establish the highest standards for dental education and training. By 2030, the WHO is planning to provide a high-quality workforce and educational policies for dental specialists in more than 50% of involved countries. The same percentage will establish national health research programs focused on public dental services.
Let's sum up
The mentioned changes, obviously, are not fundamental - Global Strategy is a long-term initiative that will improve the global situation with oral health services step by step, allowing most people to get essential dental treatment.
