December 2022

Reflections and Wishes

Wanda Fedora RDH

As we approach the end of 2022, we find ourselves reflecting on the successes and challenges of the past year. We had hoped to see the COVID virus put to rest, but unfortunately, we are still faced with the day-to-day reality of providing oral health care with the added threat of COVID 19 transmission in our workplace. We did, however, enjoy a "face to face" international symposium (ISDH) in Ireland in August and hopefully the conference world will open up even more.

Virtual meetings have their place and at times, are the only way to meet. My wish for the new year is that our world opens up even more and we find ourselves sitting side by side hearing the latest news in the oral health care world.

Read more of our President's Message, including:
	•	Supporting the WHO Resolution on Oral Health
	•	Impact Award Opportunities for Your Organization
	•	Welcome Our New Website
	•	My Virtual Journey Continues

Read the full message.

IFDH EVENTS

Yoonsook Hwang, President of The Korean Dental Hygienists Association (KDHA)

ISDH 2024: Save the Dates!

"Plans are well underway by the Local Organizing Committee for the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene 2024 (ISDH) in Seoul, Korea", says Yoonsook Hwang (right), President of The Korean Dental Hygienists Association (KDHA).


Jeongran Park, Conference Chairperson	Kyungmi Kim, Vice Conference Chairperson	Kyunghee Kang, Scientific Committee Director

Dates to Save: July 11-14, 2024

If you were not able to attend the HoD Meeting and ISDH in Ireland in August 2022, see the highlights and photos.

Board & Summit Committees Start Preparations

Several members of the IFDH Board and Global Oral Health Summit Committee recently attended the virtual launch of the WHO Global Oral Health Status Report. The knowledge gained from this will help form the basis of our 2023 Global Oral Health Summit. Watch for more Summit information in early 2023.

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See our 2 Joint Statements (2022) with EDHF submitted to the WHO for use in the Status Report above.

IFDH NEWS

All IFDH Committees Meet

After great inspiration from our Delegate Success Workshop in Malahide, Ireland, all IFDH Committees have had one or more meetings, including:

	•	Association Research Center
	•	Membership
	•	Education
	•	Global Oral Health Summit 2023
	•	ISDH 2024
	•	Research
	•	Social Media
	•	Social Responsibility

New Web Site is Here!!!

IFDH kicked off its new branding program with a new logo in August. Following right behind this is our new website. Click here to see just a few of the improvements.

IFDH Unveils New Sponsor Brochure

A new 12-page IFDH Sponsor Prospectus has been developed for 2023-24 to provide our corporate friends with a full understanding of IFDH and our programs, enabling them to get their companies involved with IFDH. "Whether they sponsor an existing IFDH program or event, or suggest a new concept to us, this will help guide them through the process," says Peter Anas Executive Director. Have a look!

IFDH PROGRAMS

Impact Awards for Your Organization

The second year for our Impact Awards are for national association programs that made the most impact on the improvement of oral health, and based on the quality of the program, awarded based on the size of the organizations. DEADLINE for your organization to apply is January 15th.

See more details ».

IFDH Research Grants Update

December 15th Deadline for Applications

The IFDH has research grants for dental hygiene students available, so please check the website for details. The purpose of this program is to promote experience in the research process and dissemination of findings contributing to the dental hygiene body of knowledge. This grant program provides small grants for students enrolled in dental hygiene graduate programs conducting thesis research. Deadline is December 15th.

Great Insight from 7 IFDH Global Surveys

The IFDH has compiled much feedback from its seven member surveys since 2019, with responses coming from at least 24 countries and up to 100,000 responses. These surveys help to better understand global Dental Hygienists' practices and beliefs on many issues. We thank P&G for their support of this valuable program. Surveys include: