The COVID-19 Pandemic put an intense strain on global healthcare structures. In addition to the intense stress placed on wider health systems, it is becoming apparent that oral health also experienced the knock-on effects, with an upturn in the numbers of people suffering from untreated dental issues, leading to an increase in cavities. This may have been due to lack of access to care, due to teams being re-focused or dental practices closed, or through a personal desire to avoid ‘unnecessary’ contact with others. The increase may also be due to a lack of focus on oral hygiene, or not having access to the right toothpaste or other tools needed to maintain oral health.
The 2021 WCFFDay Campaign aimed to support care providers in re-connecting with their patients and the public and breaking down the barriers within communities that is preventing them from receiving the oral healthcare they need. By removing these barriers and providing the necessary resources, we sent the message ‘help us to help you keep cavity-free’.
