Advocacy

The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) is committed to advancing global oral health by active engagement with key international health bodies. Through participation in policy platforms such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN), IADR works to integrate dental, oral, and craniofacial (DOC) research into broader global health agendas. In parallel, IADR collaborates with partners across the research and health policy landscape to strengthen its advocacy efforts. These collaborations aim to advance IADR's policy agenda, support its members, and advocate for increased investment and attention to oral health research worldwide.

Through these concerted efforts, IADR works to elevate the profile of oral health on the global stage, fostering commitments and policies that recognize the essential role of oral health in overall well-being.

World Health Organization headquarters Geneva

World Health Organization

The World Health Organization Executive Board (WHO EB) is responsible for implementing the decisions and policies established by the World Health Assembly (WHA), which serves as WHO’s principal decision-making body. Each January, during its annual meeting, the WHO EB determines the agenda and drafts the resolutions to be considered at the upcoming WHA.

IADR, along with the FDI World Dental Federation are the only oral health related NGOs in official relations with WHO, delivers statements during this meeting to advocate for the inclusion of oral health research within key agenda items. Some of these interventions are done collaboratively with the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) and help elevate oral health on the global health agenda and contribute to shaping commitments and international policies that prioritize oral health.

World Flags

World Health Assembly

The WHA is the decision-making body of WHO and is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland. It is attended by delegations from WHO Member States and, due to IADR’s official relations status with the WHO, we leverage this meeting by delivering statements made in collaboration with the FDI World Dental Federation to influence global policies and commitments on oral health.

United Nations Multistakeholder Meeting

United Nations

IADR actively participates in United Nations multistakeholder hearings as part of the preparatory process for high-level meetings on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, and universal health coverage. These forums provide a platform to highlight the role of dental, oral, and craniofacial research in addressing global health challenges. By delivering statements and engaging with international partners, IADR advocates for the inclusion of oral health in UN political declarations and global commitments, ensuring research-informed policy decisions that advance health equity and innovation.

Minamata Convention

Declarations

IADR has been part of many declarations by the international community on the importance of research and collaboration to advance oral care including:

  • COP3 of the Minamata Convention on Mercury
  • WW8 Bali Declaration on Oral Health in HIV/AIDS
  • WW7 Hyderabad Declaration
  • Budapest Declaration
  • Global Oral Health Inequalities Research Agenda
  • WW6 Beijing Declaration
  • Liverpool Declaration
  • WW5 The Phuket Declaration on Oral Health in HIV/AIDS 2004

International Advocacy Toolkit

The IADR International Advocacy Toolkit will assist IADR members across the world in developing advocacy and communications campaigns in support of dental, oral and craniofacial research. Through use of this toolkit, IADR members can feel empowered to champion dental, oral and craniofacial research and work to promote funding and policies that contribute to scientific advancement.

 

View Toolkit

Interested in taking action or learning more about advocacy efforts?

Makyba Charles-Ayinde

Director of Science Policy

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