Prague – September 09, 2026 -- The FDI World Dental Federation has unveiled "Generation Smile," a new global movement aimed at making oral health a lifelong priority for people of all ages, launched during the FDI World Dental Congress in Prague.
The campaign centers on a new platform tied to World Oral Health Day
Generation Smile serves as the flagship platform for World Oral Health Day, with this year's theme, "Join Generation Smile," inviting individuals worldwide to treat oral health as a core part of overall wellbeing rather than a standalone concern.
Nearly 3.7 billion people live with oral disease worldwide
Professor Nikolai Sharkov, president of the FDI, said the scale of untreated oral disease globally makes the movement necessary, framing daily habits like brushing twice a day and regular dental visits as building blocks for a larger collective shift. He described the initiative as an invitation for every person, everywhere, to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
The campaign reframes the smile as a symbol, not the end goal
Dr. Anna Lella, president of the World Oral Health Day working group, said the smile itself is not the point -- it represents everything a healthy mouth enables, from confidence to comfort to stronger relationships. The initiative positions oral health as linked to a range of systemic health conditions.
A digital mural will turn individual voices into shared artwork
Drawing visual inspiration from street art, Generation Smile has introduced a bold new identity designed to cross borders and cultures. As part of the campaign, people around the world will be invited to add their voices to a global digital mural, turning individual statements of support into a collective piece of art.
The movement builds on years of momentum around World Oral Health Day
World Oral Health Day has previously brought together individuals, dental professionals, national dental associations, schools, partners and policymakers across the globe. Generation Smile consolidates that existing base into a single unified movement.
The next World Oral Health Day falls on March 20, 2027
On that date, people everywhere will be asked to formally "Join Generation Smile" and support efforts toward universal access to oral health care and its lifelong benefits.