In this episode of The Dental Check-Up Podcast, Prof. Sarah Baker and Prof. Georgios Tsakos discuss findings from the FDI Oral Health Observatory (OHO) 10-year impact report and what a decade of data tells us about the future of oral health.

Drawing on data collected across 12 countries and from more than 10,000 patients, the discussion explores oral health status, lifestyle behaviours, quality of life and access to care across diverse settings. The episode examines the significant burden of oral diseases, the influence of preventive behaviours, and the barriers to good oral health, including access, affordability and workforce capacity.

The discussion also reflects on what the OHO initiative has achieved over the past decade, the lessons and limitations of the programme, and how robust, standardised oral health data can support policy, advocacy and system strengthening. Looking ahead, the speakers consider how OHO can contribute to stronger surveillance, improved equity and access to oral healthcare.

Link to the OHO 10-year impact report: Ten years of Oral Health Observatory data: Evidence, Impact and the Road Ahead.

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In this episode of The Dental Check-Up Podcast, Professor Manu Mathur, Dr. Maria Ryan and Dr. Romila Gobin-Beharee discuss the growing importance of oral health in the workplace and why employers, policymakers, governments and public health stakeholders all have a role to play in advancing oral health through prevention, health promotion and better access to care.

Work occupies approximately one-third of adult life, and nearly 60% of the world's working-age population is in employment, making the workplace a valuable and often underused setting for improving oral health outcomes. Drawing on the findings of FDI’s report on Oral Health at Work, the discussion explores how workplace oral health initiatives can improve wellbeing, support productivity and help reduce oral health inequalities.

Through examples from different settings, the episode examines practical approaches to implementing workplace oral health programmes, strategies for building employer engagement, and the importance of measuring impact and generating evidence to support long-term investment in workplace oral health.

Learn more about this episode:
https://www.fdiworlddental.org/podcast-dental-check-oral-health-work

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In this episode of the Dental Check-up Podcast, Prof. Purnima Kumar explores the growing body of evidence on how Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENNDS) affect oral health.

More than 100 million adults and 15 million adolescents worldwide now use e-cigarettes, making vaping one of the most rapidly evolving issues in public health. While research on their long-term effects is still developing, studies are already identifying changes in the oral environment associated with e-cigarette use. From dry mouth and increased risk of dental caries to alterations in the oral microbiome and inflammation of oral tissues, evidence is emerging that vaping can affect oral health in multiple ways.

Drawing on the latest research and FDI's review paper, To Vape or Not to Vape: Oral Health in the Age of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems, Prof. Kumar explains how these products work, why they have become so popular, and what current evidence reveals about their effects on the mouth and the body. The discussion also explores the challenges of regulation, the importance of patient education, and the role of dentists and dental teams in supporting informed decision-making.

Learn more about this episode:
https://fdiworlddental.org/podcast-dental-checkup-vaping

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In this episode of The Dental Check-Up Podcast, host Kelly Hoey speaks with Christina Radics and Eraldo Pesaressi ahead of the FDI Young Dentist Forum 2026 in Prague.  

Together, they discuss the realities facing young dentists today, including burnout, financial pressure, professional uncertainty, and the challenge of achieving work-life harmony in a demanding profession. Christina shares insights on mental resilience, self-care, and the early warning signs of burnout, while Eraldo reflects on the importance of mentorship, creativity, community, and learning through professional setbacks.  

The conversation also explores leadership in dental practices, the pressures created by today’s competitive dental landscape, and why support networks are essential for long-term success. Through honest personal stories and practical advice, this episode highlights how dentistry is not only about technical excellence, but also about building a sustainable and fulfilling career.  

A thoughtful and inspiring conversation for young dentists and experienced professionals alike. 

This episode of the Dental check-up podcast is supported by Henry Schein 

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In this special episode of the Dental Check-up podcast, we take a deep dive into the upcoming FDI Young Dentists Forum, scheduled for 10 September in Shanghai.

We hear from emerging speaker Stefani Cheung, who first shared her experience at the inaugural session in Sydney 2023, together with the 2025 Young Dentists Speaker Contest winner and upcoming lecturer for the Shanghai edition.

Together with Antonio Roma Torres, Member of FDI Education Committee and Young Dentists Task Team, they reflect on the importance of engaging in international activities and the unique opportunities that arise from sharing the stage at global events. 

The conversation also explores their outlook on the future of dentistry, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for young dentists.

Don't miss their practical tips for an unforgettable experience in Shanghai!

This episode of the Dental check-up podcast is supported by Henry Schein

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In this special episode of the Dental Check-up podcast, we commemorate World Mental Health Day by shining a light on the mental health challenges faced by dental professionals. Hosted by Professor Matt Hopcraft and featuring renowned guest Professor Tim Newton, an expert in psychology applied to dentistry at King’s College London, the conversation explores the unique pressures dentists face, from perfectionism and physical strain to the emotional toll of patient care. 

The episode delves into the pervasive issue of burnout in dentistry, exacerbated by a growing consumerist model in healthcare, and the stigmatization of mental health discussions within the profession. Dentists are often reluctant to seek help due to fears of professional repercussions, yet emotional exhaustion can significantly impact clinical performance and patient outcomes. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether from colleagues or professional services, and take advantage of mental health resources like the FDI Mental Health Toolkit. 

Are you a dentist or a member of the dental team who has suffered from mental health issues in the workplace? Share your story with us: [email protected]  and help others to know they are not alone. 

In this episode: 

• Learn bout the role of perfectionism in contributing to stress and burnout in dentistry and how to balance high standards with mental well-being. 
• Understand the impact of a consumerist healthcare model and its pressure on dental professionals, and how emotional exhaustion affects not only practitioners' well-being but also patient care and clinical outcomes. 
• Learn how to create a supportive, psychologically safe environment in the workplace by fostering open communication and collegiality. 

The experts share some practical tips for self-care and call you to prioritize your mental health and well-being, just as you advise your patients.

This episode of the Dental check-up podcast is supported by the MPS Foundation. 

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In this episode, join visionary dentist Dr Miguel Stanley and bright dental student Ms. Sanika Shorey as they dive deeper into the second edition of the Young Dentists Forum at the FDI World Dental Congress 2024 (WDC24).

Set against the historically rich backdrop of Istanbul from 12-15 September, WDC24 promises to be an unforgettable event. Dr Stanley will be a standout presenter at the Young Dentists Forum, leading a session titled "Leadership in Dentistry: Mindset for Success." Listen to the episode to learn how you can make the most of this exceptional forum, build lasting connections, and shape the future of dentistry. 

In this episode:

1. Discover what to expect at the Young Dentists Forum in Istanbul
2. Discover the importance of building meaningful professional networks
3. Explore the potential for innovation and excellence among young dentists

Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

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In this episode, join our host Dr William Cheung, Chair of the FDI Education Committee as he discusses the latest developments in digital dentistry and artificial intelligence with his guests, Dr Francesco Mangano, President of the Digital Dentistry Society, and Prof. Falk Schwendicke, member of the FDI Science Committee. Their fascinating conversation delves into the possible applications, opportunities and challenges that new technologies can bring to everyday dental practice.

Additionally, the transformative potential of digital dentistry is a key topic at the FDI World Dental Congress 2024 (WDC24) in Istanbul, from 12th to 15th September with two special sessions led by Dr Mangano and Prof. Schwendicke respectively, focused on digital dentistry and artificial intelligence. Listen to this episode to gain further insights about these sessions, highlighting the impact of these innovations on the field.

In this episode:

1. Discover the opportunities and challenges offered by the latest technologies in digital dentistry and artificial intelligence.
2. Learn about the importance of appraising new technologies during the WDC24 sessions.
3. Explore the potential for innovation and excellence in the dental profession.

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The new Dental Check-up series on networking highlights the importance of developing and maintaining a professional network to build partnerships and advance your career. The FDI World Dental Congress (WDC) presents the ideal opportunity to do just that by forging meaningful connections with professionals from around the world.

This first episode of the two-part series puts a special focus on the advantage of building a network at an early career stage. Host, Ms Kelly Hoey, who is also the author of “Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World”, engages in a conversation with two dental students, Mr Konstantin Lennart Schrader from Germany and Mrs Sanika Shorey from Australia, who will be attending the 2023 WDC to discuss how they can leverage this opportunity nurture professional relationships.

Konstantin and Sanika, who will also be participating in FDI’s inaugural Young Dentists Forum at the 2023 WDC urge their peers to make the most of this opportunity to engage with their peers and experienced professionals in the field.

Listeners can learn from panelists about best practices to efficiently prepare, act and follow-up on their networking activities.

In this episode:

1. Learn the importance of building meaningful professional networks
2. Learn handy tips on how to approach someone at a networking event
3. Learn how you can leverage the Young Dentists Forum to forge new connections

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Oral health is recognized as a basic Human Right and a fundamental aspect of overall health and well-being. Despite all the evidence, oral health services are not included in the benefit coverage of Universal Health Coverage programs in many countries. In countries where some coverage exists, essential preventive and clinical services show large gaps, especially for vulnerable, disadvantaged, rural, or poorer populations.

In March 2023, FDI organized a full-day roundtable to review existing evidence on the challenges of universal access to oral care. Participants discussed what constitutes appropriate access to oral care, and reviewed replicable best practices for expanding access to oral care through integration into primary health care systems, including underserved populations.

This podcast covers the perspectives of three experts representing different fields of practice (clinical practice and service management, policy analysis, and advocacy and academia). Tony and guests’ discussion provides a robust picture of the key elements of appropriate access to oral care.

In this episode: 

• Learn bout the role of perfectionism in contributing to stress and burnout in dentistry and how to balance high standards with mental well-being. 
• Understand the impact of a consumerist healthcare model and its pressure on dental professionals, and how emotional exhaustion affects not only practitioners' well-being but also patient care and clinical outcomes. 
• Learn how to create a supportive, psychologically safe environment in the workplace by fostering open communication and collegiality. 

The experts share some practical tips for self-care and call you to prioritize your mental health and well-being, just as you advise your patients.

Visit the Dental check-up website