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 In a powerful convergence of science, policy, and purpose, the D20 International Symposium brought global oral healthcare to the forefront, with Dr. Nalika Gunawardena, Regional Adviser (Noncommunicable Diseases) at the World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Regional Office, highlighted Bangkok Declaration tagline “No Health Without Oral Health.”
Organized by Haleon (erstwhile GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare) in partnership with the Indian Dental Association (IDA), experts at the D20 Symposium advocated international collaboration on oral health, underscoring the critical need to embed oral care into the wider universal health coverage agenda.
Dr. Gunawardena lauded the event for fostering meaningful dialogue and cross-sector collaboration. “Haleon’s partnership with the IDA reflects a shared commitment to driving science-led, patient-centric solutions in oral health,” she stated, emphasizing how the gathering united thought leaders, clinicians, and policymakers to push the boundaries of innovation in dentistry.
At the heart of the summit’s vision was the operationalization of the Bangkok Declaration, a landmark agreement finalized on November 9, 2024 during the Global Oral Health Meeting, which brought together representatives from over 100 countries. The Declaration, bearing the tagline “No health without oral health”, was not merely a symbolic commitment but a call for action, urging the global dental and public health communities to move from intention to implementation.
“The D20 Symposium was timely and necessary, offering a space where stakeholders could convene, strategize, and define their roles in actualizing the Declaration’s goals,” Dr. Gunawardena emphasized.
Dr. Gunawardena also provided insights into WHO’s integrated approach to oral health, which, under the organization's NCD department, naturally aligns oral care with broader efforts to combat diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases. “The biggest burden lies in prevention and promotion. Highly specialized care is required for only a small segment. The broader issues can be tackled through public health approaches,” she explained.
Recognizing the disparities in dental education and healthcare systems across countries, Dr. Gunawardena pointed to WHO’s initiatives aimed at standardizing oral health training and resources. She highlighted the WHO Academy based in France, a virtual global platform that has already launched four key oral health courses covering topics such as dental amalgam, fluoridation, pregnancy-related oral care, and hygiene. “This platform offers current, validated knowledge accessible to all. With WHO at the helm of global governance on health, and initiatives like the WHO Academy providing standardized training, the future of oral healthcare is positioned for transformative change,” she noted.
Touching on India’s efforts, Dr. Gunawardena expressed optimism about the country’s National Oral Health Action Plan. “India is on the right path. The policy framework is strong and aligns well with global priorities,” she said. However, she also cautioned that the real challenge lies in implementation stating, “It's not just oral health. Diabetes and hypertension care face similar gaps. Many countries don’t even have such plans in place. The key is to push for execution of what’s already been planned.”
Dr. Gunawardena commended the comprehensive vision laid out in the event. “The documents and vision are aligned with what needs to be done. The outcomes are significant. Now we must wait and see how much of it is translated into action.”
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