Dental Check-up: Recent Episodes
FDI World Dental Federation
Dental Check-up puts the spotlight on current and emerging topics in dentistry and health. Listen to prominent voices from around the globe and stay up to date with the latest oral health-related news and knowledge. Brought to you by FDI World Dental Federation, these thought-provoking mini-series and one-off episodes aim to inform, inspire, and educate. Tune-in to listen to our first series on mental health. Coming soon.
In this episode of The Dental Check-Up Podcast, Professor Manu Mathur, Dr. Maria Ryan and Dr. Romila Gobin-Beharee discuss the growing importance of oral health in the workplace and why employers, policymakers, governments and public health stakeholders all have a role to play in advancing oral health through prevention, health promotion and better access to care.
Work occupies approximately one-third of adult life, and nearly 60% of the world's working-age population is in employment, making the workplace a valuable and often underused setting for improving oral health outcomes. Drawing on the findings of FDI’s report on Oral Health at Work, the discussion explores how workplace oral health initiatives can improve wellbeing, support productivity and help reduce oral health inequalities.
Through examples from different settings, the episode examines practical approaches to implementing workplace oral health programmes, strategies for building employer engagement, and the importance of measuring impact and generating evidence to support long-term investment in workplace oral health.
Learn more about this episode:
https://www.fdiworlddental.org/podcast-dental-check-oral-health-work
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In this episode of the Dental Check-up Podcast, Prof. Purnima Kumar explores the growing body of evidence on how Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENNDS) affect oral health.
More than 100 million adults and 15 million adolescents worldwide now use e-cigarettes, making vaping one of the most rapidly evolving issues in public health. While research on their long-term effects is still developing, studies are already identifying changes in the oral environment associated with e-cigarette use. From dry mouth and increased risk of dental caries to alterations in the oral microbiome and inflammation of oral tissues, evidence is emerging that vaping can affect oral health in multiple ways.
Drawing on the latest research and FDI's review paper, To Vape or Not to Vape: Oral Health in the Age of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems, Prof. Kumar explains how these products work, why they have become so popular, and what current evidence reveals about their effects on the mouth and the body. The discussion also explores the challenges of regulation, the importance of patient education, and the role of dentists and dental teams in supporting informed decision-making.
Learn more about this episode:
https://fdiworlddental.org/podcast-dental-checkup-vaping
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In this episode of The Dental Check-Up Podcast, host Kelly Hoey speaks with Christina Radics and Eraldo Pesaressi ahead of the FDI Young Dentist Forum 2026 in Prague.
Together, they discuss the realities facing young dentists today, including burnout, financial pressure, professional uncertainty, and the challenge of achieving work-life harmony in a demanding profession. Christina shares insights on mental resilience, self-care, and the early warning signs of burnout, while Eraldo reflects on the importance of mentorship, creativity, community, and learning through professional setbacks.
The conversation also explores leadership in dental practices, the pressures created by today’s competitive dental landscape, and why support networks are essential for long-term success. Through honest personal stories and practical advice, this episode highlights how dentistry is not only about technical excellence, but also about building a sustainable and fulfilling career.
A thoughtful and inspiring conversation for young dentists and experienced professionals alike.
This episode of the Dental check-up podcast is supported by Henry Schein
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In this special episode of the Dental Check-up podcast, we take a deep dive into the upcoming FDI Young Dentists Forum, scheduled for 10 September in Shanghai.
We hear from emerging speaker Stefani Cheung, who first shared her experience at the inaugural session in Sydney 2023, together with the 2025 Young Dentists Speaker Contest winner and upcoming lecturer for the Shanghai edition.
Together with Antonio Roma Torres, Member of FDI Education Committee and Young Dentists Task Team, they reflect on the importance of engaging in international activities and the unique opportunities that arise from sharing the stage at global events.
The conversation also explores their outlook on the future of dentistry, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for young dentists.
Don't miss their practical tips for an unforgettable experience in Shanghai!
This episode of the Dental check-up podcast is supported by Henry Schein
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In this special episode of the Dental Check-up podcast, we commemorate World Mental Health Day by shining a light on the mental health challenges faced by dental professionals. Hosted by Professor Matt Hopcraft and featuring renowned guest Professor Tim Newton, an expert in psychology applied to dentistry at King’s College London, the conversation explores the unique pressures dentists face, from perfectionism and physical strain to the emotional toll of patient care.
The episode delves into the pervasive issue of burnout in dentistry, exacerbated by a growing consumerist model in healthcare, and the stigmatization of mental health discussions within the profession. Dentists are often reluctant to seek help due to fears of professional repercussions, yet emotional exhaustion can significantly impact clinical performance and patient outcomes.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether from colleagues or professional services, and take advantage of mental health resources like the FDI Mental Health Toolkit.
Are you a dentist or a member of the dental team who has suffered from mental health issues in the workplace? Share your story with us: communications@fdiworlddental.org and help others to know they are not alone.
In this episode:
- Learn bout the role of perfectionism in contributing to stress and burnout in dentistry and how to balance high standards with mental well-being.
- Understand the impact of a consumerist healthcare model and its pressure on dental professionals, and how emotional exhaustion affects not only practitioners' well-being but also patient care and clinical outcomes.
- Learn how to create a supportive, psychologically safe environment in the workplace by fostering open communication and collegiality.
The experts share some practical tips for self-care and call you to prioritize your mental health and well-being, just as you advise your patients.
This episode of the Dental check-up podcast is supported by the MPS Foundation.
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In this episode, join visionary dentist Dr Miguel Stanley and bright dental student Ms. Sanika Shorey as they dive deeper into the second edition of the Young Dentists Forum at the FDI World Dental Congress 2024 (WDC24).
Set against the historically rich backdrop of Istanbul from 12-15 September, WDC24 promises to be an unforgettable event. Dr Stanley will be a standout presenter at the Young Dentists Forum, leading a session titled "Leadership in Dentistry: Mindset for Success." Listen to the episode to learn how you can make the most of this exceptional forum, build lasting connections, and shape the future of dentistry.
In this episode:
- Discover what to expect at the Young Dentists Forum in Istanbul
- Discover the importance of building meaningful professional networks
- Explore the potential for innovation and excellence among young dentists
Share your thoughts with us at communications@fdiworlddental.org.
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In this episode, join our host Dr William Cheung, Chair of the FDI Education Committee as he discusses the latest developments in digital dentistry and artificial intelligence with his guests, Dr Francesco Mangano, President of the Digital Dentistry Society, and Prof. Falk Schwendicke, member of the FDI Science Committee. Their fascinating conversation delves into the possible applications, opportunities and challenges that new technologies can bring to everyday dental practice.
Additionally, the transformative potential of digital dentistry is a key topic at the FDI World Dental Congress 2024 (WDC24) in Istanbul, from 12th to 15th September with two special sessions led by Dr Mangano and Prof. Schwendicke respectively, focused on digital dentistry and artificial intelligence. Listen to this episode to gain further insights about these sessions, highlighting the impact of these innovations on the field.
In this episode:
- Discover the opportunities and challenges offered by the latest technologies in digital dentistry and artificial intelligence.
- Learn about the importance of appraising new technologies during the WDC24 sessions.
- Explore the potential for innovation and excellence in the dental profession.
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The new Dental Check-up series on networking highlights the importance of developing and maintaining a professional network to build partnerships and advance your career. The FDI World Dental Congress (WDC) presents the ideal opportunity to do just that by forging meaningful connections with professionals from around the world.
This first episode of the two-part series puts a special focus on the advantage of building a network at an early career stage. Host, Ms Kelly Hoey, who is also the author of “Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World”, engages in a conversation with two dental students, Mr Konstantin Lennart Schrader from Germany and Mrs Sanika Shorey from Australia, who will be attending the 2023 WDC to discuss how they can leverage this opportunity nurture professional relationships.
Konstantin and Sanika, who will also be participating in FDI’s inaugural Young Dentists Forum at the 2023 WDC urge their peers to make the most of this opportunity to engage with their peers and experienced professionals in the field.
Listeners can learn from panelists about best practices to efficiently prepare, act and follow-up on their networking activities.
In this episode:
- Learn the importance of building meaningful professional networks
- Learn handy tips on how to approach someone at a networking event
- Learn how you can leverage the Young Dentists Forum to forge new connections
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Oral health is recognized as a basic Human Right and a fundamental aspect of overall health and well-being. Despite all the evidence, oral health services are not included in the benefit coverage of Universal Health Coverage programs in many countries. In countries where some coverage exists, essential preventive and clinical services show large gaps, especially for vulnerable, disadvantaged, rural, or poorer populations.
In March 2023, FDI organized a full-day roundtable to review existing evidence on the challenges of universal access to oral care. Participants discussed what constitutes appropriate access to oral care, and reviewed replicable best practices for expanding access to oral care through integration into primary health care systems, including underserved populations.
This podcast covers the perspectives of three experts representing different fields of practice (clinical practice and service management, policy analysis, and advocacy and academia). Tony and guests’ discussion provides a robust picture of the key elements of appropriate access to oral care.
In this episode:
- Learn bout the role of perfectionism in contributing to stress and burnout in dentistry and how to balance high standards with mental well-being.
- Understand the impact of a consumerist healthcare model and its pressure on dental professionals, and how emotional exhaustion affects not only practitioners' well-being but also patient care and clinical outcomes.
- Learn how to create a supportive, psychologically safe environment in the workplace by fostering open communication and collegiality.
The experts share some practical tips for self-care and call you to prioritize your mental health and well-being, just as you advise your patients.
Visit the Dental check-up website
World Oral Health Day (WOHD) 2023 marks the final year of the 3-year Be Proud of Your Mouth Campaign. It is an empowering call-to-action urging people to value and take care of their oral health. This year, we focus on the importance of caring for your mouth at every stage of life, calling upon people to: Look after your oral health for a lifetime of smiles.
WOHD was launched by FDI in 2007 and is the culmination of year-long activities dedicated to raising global awareness on the prevention and control of oral disease. FDI is spearheading WOHD in efforts to bring together the global oral health community to achieve optimal oral health for all. On 20 March every year, we ask the world to unite to help reduce the burden of oral diseases, which affect individuals, health systems and economies everywhere.
In this podcast episode, you will listen to voices from around the globe, who share their experiences of leveraging WOHD to help improve oral health. We highlight encouraging and inspiring collective efforts, that help the campaign reach different audiences and spread oral health messages far and wide.
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People born with a cleft lip and/or palate (cleft) require lifelong care, including nutrition support, surgery, speech therapy, orthodontics, dental care, and psychosocial support. Unfortunately, many patients struggle to access lifesaving care due to various challenges including distance from care centers and affordability. Digital advances and technologies can help bridge this gap and improve access to cleft care for people all around the world.
In this special Dental Check-up episode, host Tony Johnston speaks with Ashley Barbour and Prof. Juan Pablo Gomez Arango about the potential of digital technology to increase access to cleft care. Ashley Barbour shares her very personal experience of growing up with cleft and shares how receiving treatment throughout life has helped her to a have successful, meaningful, and impactful life.
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In this first Dental check-up episode of 2023, we look at the year ahead from an oral health perspective. FDI’s Executive Director and Communications and Advocacy Director highlight the opportunities and events throughout the year that dentists and dental teams can leverage to help educate themselves or their patients on key oral health matters.
The host of this episode, Tony Johnston, and guest speakers, Mr Enzo Bondioni and Dr Charanjit (Chaz) Jagait, discuss some important upcoming events such as the WHO Executive Board meeting starting at the end of January,World Oral Health Day on the 20th of March, the WHO Oral Health Action Plan in May, and the World Dental Congress in September, in Sydney, Australia.
In this episode, you will also learn about FDI’s wealth of resources that are available to use freely to support knowledge building or advocacy efforts. Visit FDI's website to learn more.
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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as one of the biggest threats to global health by the World Health Organization and is expected to be responsible for ten million deaths each year by 2050. This issue is of particular concern to dental teams, as dentists prescribe around 10% of all antibiotics for humans.
For many years, FDI has been at the forefront to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance in dentistry. This World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), in a special episode of the Dental check-up podcast, we invited renowned experts in the field of AMR in dentistry to discuss the important role of dentists to tackle AMR. Listen to the full episode to discover the importance of antimicrobials as lifesaving drugs and how oral health professionals can help improve the global AMR crisis.
At FDI, we want to create awareness that we can all be part of the solution by “Preventing antimicrobial resistance together”. Show your support and commitment by signing our pledge on antimicrobial resistance!
Add the podcast to your playlist today to make sure you don’t miss an episode.
Are you an oral health professional with an interest on AMR? Share your thoughts with us: communications@fdiworlddental.org and help others to know we can all be part of this fight.
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Dentists and other members of the dental team can face high levels of demand in their day-to-day work that exceed their abilities to cope, ultimately affecting their work and well-being.
Your host Tim Newton and guest Dr Kaejenn Tchia embark on a candid and insightful conversation about the challenges oral health professionals can face from their early career days and how these can affect their mental well-being.
Kaejenn openly shares his experience with burnout and about his healing journey, with the aim of helping others understand that they are not alone.
Do you also want to share your story? Send us an email at communications@fdiworlddental.org
Let us have your thoughts and comments on our second episode!
Additional resources:https://www.supportfordentalteams.org/
Dental Check-up website:
https://www.fdiworlddental.org/dental-check-mental-health-series
This episode is about the mental health and well-being of the dental team, as well as stress, burnout and the basics of common mental health disorders in dentistry, and how to cope with them. Through discussions with colleagues and experts, we cover the scale and nature of the problem of stress and burnout in the dental workplace. We include advice on how to make changes, real life experiences, and tips and exercises on how to better manage stress at work.
Key messages:
- Chronic work-related stress is a real issue in dental teams and can often lead to burnout. Broad attention and early management are essential to control its long-term consequences affecting mental health.
- Burnout symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, cynicism, and reduced performance amongst others and can have significant consequences.
- Work-related stress and burnout can affect work performance, and consequently patients and their treatments.
- It is important to open the debate and talk about mental health conditions that dental teams may suffer from.
Additional resources:https://www.supportfordentalteams.org/
Link to episode’s page:https://www.fdiworlddental.org/dental-check-podcast