FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) and the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) welcome initiatives to strengthen financial protection and expand access to quality, integrated care. This is needed to address catastrophic, out-of-pocket health costs often reported in managing oral diseases.

The recently adopted Bangkok Declaration emphasizes that many populations lack access to safe, quality, and affordable oral healthcare. To achieve UHC for all by 2030, we strongly recommend ensuring UHC programs include a basic package of essential oral health services at the primary care level, with timely access to specialized oral healthcare when needed. National research on UHC must also assess progress towards UHC for oral health for all.

Most oral diseases are preventable, including through self-care. We call for the integration of oral disease prevention and oral self-care practices within national self-care policies, supported by research to assess their effectiveness.