“Oral Diseases Affect Over 3.7 Billion People Worldwide: Dr. Christopher Fox, CEO, IADR

Global Experts Call for Research, Awareness, and Collaboration at IADR-ISDR 2025 in Delhi

New Delhi, September 2025:
The Inaugural Session of the IADR Asia Pacific Regional Conference & 35th Annual Conference of the Indian Society for Dental Research (ISDR) heralded the beginning of a landmark scientific gathering in New Delhi.

The three-day conclave has drawn more than 600 delegates, including 150 international participants from 20 countries. Over 30 national and international keynote speakers, are addressing the participants at lectures, workshops and hands on sessions. The conference emphasizes research-driven collaboration across oral and craniofacial sciences.

A Press Conference was also held, where dignitaries highlighted the urgency of tackling oral diseases, which affect billions worldwide, and shared insights on how research and innovation can transform oral health and overall well-being.

Expanded Quotes from the Speakers

Dr. Christopher Fox, CEO, IADR (Washington, USA), emphasized the global scale of the problem:
“Oral diseases affect more than 3.7 billion people worldwide, making them the most common health conditions on the planet. Yet, they remain overshadowed by other diseases in public health discussions. Oral health is not just about cavities or gum problems—it is about nutrition, speech, self-confidence, and its deep links with systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. The strength of IADR lies in its network of 10,500 active researchers across the globe. When scientists come together at meetings like this, collaboration sparks innovation and that drives real solutions for communities. Oral health must be recognized as a vital component of overall health and well-being.”

Dr. Pamela Yelick, President, IADR, shared her vision as a researcher and innovator:
“As someone who has been part of IADR for over 30 years, I know the power of collaboration. This conference brings mentors, collaborators and young innovators under one roof. My own work in genetic abnormalities and regenerative therapies has shown me how basic science can translate into products that repair teeth and prevent replacements, something unthinkable few years ago. Oral diseases do not discriminate by age and we now understand their role in making individuals more susceptible to systemic conditions. That is why evidence-based, translational research is so critical. This conference is not only about exchanging ideas, it is about building solutions that will touch millions of lives.”

Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Organising Chairman of the Conference and Vice Chancellor, GGSIPU, highlighted the larger public health perspective:
“Oral diseases may not always be life-threatening, but they silently erode the quality of life. Nearly 85% of oral problems are preventable if addressed through awareness, preventive research and the use of affordable technologies. Our challenge is big. Millions across rural and urban India either cannot access or cannot afford dental care. Technology and innovation must bridge this gap. Today, as lifestyles changes and the standard of living rises but wellness cannot be achieved without oral health. It is time oral health is given the attention it deserves in our national health agenda. He also stressed that Dental Research can be conducted in 36 categories, including regenerative therapies, revitalizing dead tissues, material sciences, and public health approaches.

Dr. Saranjit Singh Bhasin, Organising Secretary, focused on nurturing the next generation:
“If we want to change the future of oral health, we must start by shaping young minds today. Research should be introduced at the undergraduate BDS level so that curiosity and innovation become part of dental education. This conference is unique because it gives young scientists a platform through paper presentations, poster symposiums, and competitions. With over 100 participants from Japan alone, the conference is a true celebration of young talent, and we are confident that these budding researchers will be the driving force of change in the years to come.”

Dr. S.M. Balaji, Secretary General, ISDR, highlighted India’s growing role in global research:
“The Indian dental research community has grown significantly, with our work now published in some of the highest impact factor journals. The Government has also recognized this field, ensuring that oral health becomes part of the broader non-communicable disease agenda. IADR continues to provide huge funding opportunities for students, encouraging them to innovate and compete at an international level. Early detection through research is critical—for example, foul breath can sometimes indicate oral cancer, which dentists can identify.Early detection can save many lives.”

Dr. Vijay Mathur, Interim President, IADR, drew attention to antimicrobial resistance (AMR):
“Dentists account for nearly 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions, and studies show many are avoidable. If we do not act now, antimicrobial resistance will become one of the greatest threats to global health. Research in antimicrobial therapies, combined with stronger government support for oral healthcare, can help build robust systems for prevention and treatment. The next three decades will be crucial. If India invests in dental research and integrates oral health into mainstream healthcare, we can create a healthier, more resilient population.”

Experts also urged policymakers to strengthen oral health under national missions, expand dental coverage under Ayushman Bharat to include outpatient services and increase the number of dentists in the government system to address rural and urban disparities.

This conference marks a turning point for Indian dentistry and global oral health research.