What we do

The Oral Health Foundation is an independent charity (not-for-profit) dedicated to improving oral health and wellbeing around the world. For more than 50 years, we have provided expert, impartial and evidence-based advice to the people who need it most.  

We work with the public, community organisations, governments, health professionals, manufacturers and the dental trade. Our mission is simple: to reduce oral health inequalities and help people live healthier lives.  

What we aim to achieve  

Our work focuses on some of the biggest challenges in oral health, including:  

• Supporting good oral hygiene habits and access to care.  

• Giving people clear and reliable information.  

• Increasing awareness of the link between oral health and wider health issues, such as heart health and diabetes.  

• Influencing government policy to protect people’s oral health.  

• Raising awareness of mouth cancer and the importance of early detection.  

• Encouraging regular dental attendance and preventive care.  

• Providing trusted oral health education resources for professionals.  

How we make a difference  

Educational resources  

We supply a wide range of high-quality patient information and learning materials used by dental and health professionals across the UK and overseas.  

Campaigns and initiatives  

We lead two major national campaigns every year – National Smile Month and Mouth Cancer Action Month – as well as school-based programmes such as Dental Buddy. These raise awareness, encourage good habits and support healthier communities.  

Consumer confidence  

Through our Approved Products Scheme, we independently check oral-care product claims so shoppers can choose products they can trust. The scheme is the largest of its kind globally, with more than 150 approved products across more than 50 countries.  

Policy and advocacy  

We represent the public’s interests in oral health by working with policymakers and health bodies. Our aim is to make prevention, access to care and early detection of disease a priority.