Global Coalition on Oral Health: Mobilizing for Equity, Leadership, and Action towards the 4th UNHLM on NCDs and beyond

With over 3.7 billion people affected by oral diseases globally—nearly half the world’s population—and with oral conditions ranking among the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases, urgent and coordinated action is essential.. Therefore, the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) and the FDI Dental Federation will host a side event during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 20. This in-person session will convene global stakeholders, including governments, WHO, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector to explore opportunities for accelerating oral health action through the Global Coalition on Oral Health.

Framed by the WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan (2023–2030) and the upcoming 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, the session will highlight how multisectoral collaboration, coordinated advocacy, and strategic investment can better integrate oral health into universal health coverage (UHC), NCD strategies, and national development agendas.

Participants will discuss policy implementation, community-driven solutions, research priorities, and innovative partnerships to advance equitable oral health worldwide.