Geneva, Switzerland, 19 May 2026 — A landmark global report released by the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) has highlighted workplaces as one of the most underutilized yet promising platforms for improving oral health worldwide. The report, Oral Health at Work: A Roadmap for Prevention, Productivity and Workforce Well-being, explores for the first time how oral health initiatives are beginning to take shape across workplace settings. Furthermore, it shows how they could significantly improve employee well-being and economic productivity.
The report presents a comprehensive analysis of emerging workplace oral health programmes, drawing on policy research, early evidence, and practical examples from different countries. According to FDI, workplaces represent a strategic opportunity to deliver preventive oral health care and encourage early intervention. In addition, they can support broader public health goals.
“This report does not just describe a problem, it identifies a strategic opportunity,” said Asst. Prof. Dr Nikolai Sharkov, President of FDI World Dental Federation. “For the first time, we are seeing how workplaces can become a platform to improve oral health through prevention, early intervention and better health outcomes.”
Oral Diseases Continue to Carry a Massive Global Burden
The report underscores the significant impact oral diseases have on both individuals and the global economy. An estimated 3.7 billion people worldwide are affected by oral diseases, which cost the global economy approximately US$710 billion annually. Of that figure, around US$323 billion is attributed to lost productivity caused by absenteeism, reduced work performance, and employees continuing to work while suffering from pain or discomfort.
Despite these staggering figures, oral health is still largely absent from most workplace health and wellness programmes.
“This is a workforce issue, an economic issue and a health system issue,” Dr Sharkov added.
Emerging Models Show Strong Potential
Although workplace oral health remains at an early stage globally, the report identifies several promising approaches already being implemented across different countries and healthcare systems. These initiatives, while still fragmented, demonstrate the potential for scalable and sustainable workplace-based oral health programmes.
FDI outlines four primary implementation models currently emerging worldwide:
- Regulatory or hazard-anchored models
- Occupational health-embedded models
- Public health–anchored outreach models
- Employer and insurer–enabled prevention and access models
The report aligns closely with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health 2023–2030. In particular, it emphasizes the importance of integrating oral health into wider health and occupational systems.
“Workplace oral health programmes must be seen as part of broader health system strengthening efforts,” said Dr Benoît Varenne, Technical Lead for Oral Health at WHO. “They should be embedded within occupational health services, aligned with strategies for the control of non-communicable diseases, and supported by financial protection mechanisms that ensure equitable access to essential oral health care without financial hardship.”
A Roadmap for Action
To move beyond isolated initiatives and toward scalable global solutions, the report proposes a six-point roadmap for action:
- Align policy across health, labour, and occupational systems
- Mobilize employers and insurers as partners in prevention
- Develop practical implementation frameworks
- Strengthen evidence and data collection
- Expand partnerships and advocacy efforts
- Pilot, evaluate, and scale successful solutions
FDI stresses that coordinated action among governments, employers, insurers, healthcare providers, and policymakers will be essential to achieving meaningful progress.
Workplaces Offer a Unique Opportunity
With adults spending nearly one-third of their lives at work, the report argues that workplaces provide a powerful channel to reach populations. These populations may otherwise have limited access to preventive oral healthcare services.
FDI believes that integrating oral health into workplace well-being programmes could deliver multiple benefits, including improved employee health outcomes, lower economic losses, enhanced productivity, and stronger overall workforce resilience.
Through its Vision 2030 advocacy strategy and collaboration with industry partners, FDI aims to support the development, implementation, and expansion of workplace oral health initiatives globally.
The report is being officially launched during a side event at the 79th World Health Assembly (#WHA79). During this event, international health leaders will discuss how to translate these findings into practical action.
About the Report
Oral Health at Work: A Roadmap for Prevention, Productivity and Workforce Well-being was developed with the support of FDI’s Vision 2030 Industry Action Group. This group includes Colgate-Palmolive Company, Haleon, Henry Schein, Ivoclar, Kenvue, Planmeca, Smile Train, and Solventum.
About FDI World Dental Federation
FDI World Dental Federation represents more than one million dentists worldwide through nearly 200 national dental associations and specialist groups across more than 130 countries. The organization advocates for optimal oral health globally. In addition, it works to advance oral health policy, education, and prevention initiatives worldwide.