"Smiles Without Borders: Empowering Global Oral Health for Every Generation"
By Dr. Mayank Chandrakar, Dental Surgeon (MDS, Public Health Dentistry) and Applied Epidemiologist Introduction As we close out 2025, a confident smile remains a powerful emblem of health, joy, and connection across cultures and ages. Yet, oral diseases continue to affect an estimated 3.5 to 3.69 billion people worldwide, marking them as one of the most prevalent noncommunicable conditions. The "Oral Health for All: A Public Health Mission" embodies the World Health Organization's (WHO) urgent drive toward universal oral health coverage by 2030, with a baseline report tracking progress released this year. This mission prioritizes prevention, equity, and seamless integration of dental care into primary health systems. Envision schoolchildren in underserved areas receiving sealants and education, rural adults accessing virtual consultations, or elders benefiting from regenerative treatments—all without financial strain. Public health strategies, fueled by innovation and ...