A study on international oral health policy:implications from the 13 th Asian Chief Dental Officers’ Meeting
10.11149/jkaoh.2025.49.1.55
- Author:
YoungHa SONG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Preventive and Social Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Brief Letter
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Oral Health
2025;49(1):55-62
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:This study aimed to provide relevant information and data for establishing oral health policies in Korea by analyzing international agendas and the current status of various Asian coun-tries, through participation in the 13 th Asian Chief Dental Officers Meeting (ACDOM).
Methods:This study utilized a three-phase approach: pre-meeting research, ACDOM field activity, and post-meeting reflections. Before the meeting, a foundational literature review was conducted to understand oral health policies and the current status of the countries joining ACDOM. During the program at the meeting venue, various oral health policy agendas from 17 countries and WHO officials, were presented and discussed. Finally, the findings from the meeting were analyzed and organized to derive implications for Korea’s oral health policy.
Results:The primary findings from the presentations of the various Asian countries align with the WHO Oral Health Program goals for 2030. The meeting was organized and developed using the framework of the Global Oral Health Action Plan (2023–2030), as published by the WHO. Most Chief Dental Officers and representatives from different Asian countries agreed with the translation of the program and the need to put the action plan into practice according to proper solutions for each country’s unique public oral health condition.
Conclusions:The 13 th ACDOM emphasized the need of Asian countries to take action to improve public oral health in alignment with the WHO Oral Health Program. Korea also needs to play an im-portant role by contributing to the international collaboration and supporting the vision of universal oral health care.
