FDI World Dental Federation

Long before policy development and education for health was enshrined in the founding documents of the World Health Organization, FDI began developing educational curricula for the dental profession and strategies for bringing oral health care to people around the world.

It was founded in Paris in 1900 by a group of six enlightened dentists, led by Dr. Charles Godon of France, under the name ‘Fédération Dentaire Internationale’ (hence ‘FDI’). Its objective was to organize regular dental congresses to advance the science and art of dentistry and focus discussion on issues such as dental education, oral hygiene and public dental health. FDI celebrated its 100th Annual World Dental Congress in Hong Kong in 2012.

FDI’s mission is shaped by four complementary, comprehensive areas of action.

1. The voice of dentistry: to be the worldwide, authoritative and independent voice of the dental profession
2. Optimal oral health: to promote optimal oral health and general health for everyone
3. Member support: to support member associations and reinforce their capacity to provide oral healthcare to the public
4. Information transfer: to advance and promote the ethics, science and practice of dentistry