Career paths in organised dentistry and international organisations

Abstract

Involvement in oral health organisations and professional bodies (e.g. professional associations, specialists' organisations, etc.) can end up influencing population oral health, law and health policies. Along with their advocacy roles, this can be seen as part of oral health professionals' responsibility beyond their clinics and dental offices. Oral health professionals need to use any available opportunity to work to ensure that oral health programmes and oral health care services can achieve the expected effect. This chapter provides a description of the options and discusses the many opportunities offered by local, state, national and international dental associations and specialist organisations. We also discuss the activities of international organisations (e.g. WHO, Med Sans Frontieres, etc.) that play an active and important role in improving health and well-being. An oral health professional can contribute to these efforts by providing specialised knowledge on this subject, for example, as an elected Board member, employee, intern or an oral health advisor at an international oral health programme. The chapter will also provide a description and reflection on how oral health professionals can be involved in these associations and organisations and include the authors' insights gained from personal experience working in these areas.