FDI World Dental Federation

FDI World Dental Chembur Federation

Founded	1900 (1900)
Type	Non-governmental organization
Focus	Dentistry, oral health, education, scientific publications
Location	Geneva, Switzerland
Area served	Worldwide
Members	Over 200 members in some 130 countries
President	Ihsane Ben Yahya
Website	www.fdiworlddental.org
Formerly called	Fédération Dentaire Internationale

FDI World Dental Federation, often shortened to FDI (French: Fédération Dentaire Internationale), is the world's leading organization representing the dental profession. It serves as the principal representative body for over one million dentists worldwide, developing health policy and continuing education programmes, speaking as a unified voice for dentistry in international advocacy, and supporting member associations in oral health promotion activities worldwide.

FDI was established in Paris in 1900. FDI’s membership includes over 200 national member associations and specialist groups in some 130 countries.

History and purpose

FDI was founded in Paris in 1900.

A non-governmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, FDI is governed by a General Assembly, with policy enacted by its Council and activities implemented through five standing committees comprising 60 volunteers from among its national member associations. Every year, some 300 delegates attend FDI’s World Dental Parliament to debate and define the global future of dentistry,

Michele Aerden became its first female president in 2005.^[1]

FDI Annual World Dental Congress

The FDI Annual World Dental Congress (FDI AWDC) provides a scientific programme, a trade exhibition and an international forum for the review and discussion of the advancement of oral health, oral health care and all other subjects which will advance the objectives of FDI. It provides an opportunity for the strengthening of relations between the dental organizations, peoples and countries of the world.

The structure of the annual World Dental Congress may vary in detail according to local circumstances, but the main elements of the Congress are:

• Scientific Programme
• General Assembly and other business meetings of FDI - the FDI World Dental Parliament
• World Oral Health Forum
• FDI World Dental Exhibition
• Social Programme

World Oral Health Day

FDI World Dental Federation organizes the annual World Oral Health Day since 2013, observed internationally on 20 March.^[2] The day is dedicated to raising global awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene so that governments, health associations and the general public can work together to achieve healthier mouths and happier lives.

Partnership and projects

FDI is a member of the World Health Profession Alliance WHPA, which also includes the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the World Medical Association (WMA), the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT).

See also

• FDI World Dental Federation notation
• International Association of Dental Students

References