Ten Years of Patient Data: FDI's Oral Health Observatory Report Reveals Global Insights

A new report released by FDI World Dental Federation highlights how more than a decade of patient-reported data from over 10,000 people across 12 countries is helping to strengthen the evidence base for oral health policy, advocacy, and care. The report, Ten Years of Oral Health Observatory Data: Evidence, Impact and the Road Ahead, showcases the achievements of FDI's Oral Health Observatory (OHO) programme since its launch in 2014.

Drawing on standardised data collected over the past decade, the report provides unique insights into oral health status, lifestyle behaviours, the psychosocial impact of oral diseases, and patients' experiences of care. It illustrates the importance of robust data in supporting evidence-based policymaking, advocacy, and health systems strengthening across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Patients across participating countries frequently reported oral pain, difficulty eating, disrupted sleep, reduced well-being, and missed work days due to oral health problems — highlighting the far-reaching impact of oral diseases on daily life. These findings have helped identify barriers to care and unmet needs, enabling National Dental Associations to strengthen advocacy and inform policy discussions on prevention and access to care.

The report showcases practical examples of how OHO findings have informed policy development in participating countries. In Lebanon, the data contributed to the development of the country's national oral health strategy. In Tanzania, findings informed discussions on oral health surveillance and health insurance coverage. Other countries have used OHO data to support advocacy on prevention, tobacco control, sugar reduction, and oral health literacy.

"The Oral Health Observatory was established in 2014 to address a fundamental gap in oral health data," said Asst. Prof. Dr Nikolai Sharkov, FDI President. "Over the past 10 years, the programme has shown that practice-based, patient-centred evidence can help National Dental Associations, health systems, and policymakers better understand population needs, identify priorities and drive much-needed improvements in oral healthcare."

Looking ahead, the next phase of the OHO will focus on expanding participation, strengthening national information systems, and enhancing the capability of National Dental Associations to translate data into policy and action. The report aligns with the World Health Organization's call for stronger oral health information systems and greater integration of oral health into broader health policies and universal health coverage efforts.