The British Dental Health Foundation will be changing its name to the Oral Health Foundation from 4 April.
The charity believes this will allow it to address the growing demand to deliver support, information and education on oral health around the world.
‘Since the charity was formed we have undergone remarkable progression and development as an organisation; this has been particularly evident since the turn of the 21st century,’ Janet Goodwin, president of the Oral Health Foundation, said.
‘In this time we have taken on some challenging and exciting new projects and developed many key partnerships; as well as expanding our work internationally.
‘Due to this, we felt it was time that we had an identity that not only reflected the important work, reach and diversity we have achieved over the last 45 years, but also one which will enable us to continue to move forward, build many more effective partnerships and develop stronger ties between dental and health professionals and the public around the world.
‘Our new name reflects this perfectly and, alongside a reinvigorated focus, we are all really excited about what is ahead of us.’
The Oral Health Foundation
The Oral Health Foundation believes its new name will help it to reach a larger audience.
Sara Hurley, the chief dental officer for England, announced her delight at the change, according to the Oral Health Foundation, as it aligns closely with her mission to ensure oral health is recognised as an integral element of all health and social care pathways.
‘For more than four decades our biggest strength has been providing education and information on oral health to millions of people throughout the United Kingdom, so it only makes sense for us to expand and try deliver this on a global scale,’ Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said.
‘The translation of our website into nine major world languages now makes our oral health education material available in the native tongue of over 40% of the world’s population and our accredited products can be seen in some 50 countries.
‘Through campaigns such as National Smile Month and Mouth Cancer Action Month, we have continually been successful in promoting and championing the values of good oral health and wellbeing, while our accreditation programme remains an instrumental resource in increasing consumer confidence in the dental products people buy.
‘Under our new brand our focus and commitment will remain as strong as ever, and our core mission and goals will remain much the same.
‘We will continue our important work as a leading international charity aiming to improve oral health for all, and tackle the harm caused by oral diseases – many of which are entirely preventable.
‘We will always remain passionate and committed to providing expert, independent and impartial advice and education on all aspects of oral health and ensure that it is delivered to those who need it most.’