Global Oral Health: Defining the Research Agenda in the Public Interest

Research-informed action is central to the mission of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR). The IADR Presidential Symposium in Bogotá, Colombia, in June 2023 explored the regional research agenda to support the WHO Global Strategy and Action Plan on Oral Health 2023-2030. Facilitated by the Global Oral Health Inequalities Research Network and supported through the participation of World Health Organization representatives, this symposium involved researchers and policy makers across 4 regions. Each presented the unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities for their region, highlighting key topics for research and methodological approaches for future consideration. This article presents a series of contrasting regional perspectives to inform collaborative action among the global research community and strategic organizations. IADR's national and regional associations can play a vital role in ensuring that by 2030, at least 50% of countries will have a national oral health research agenda focused on public health and population-based interventions, supported by the breadth of dental, oral, and craniofacial research to improve population health and facilitate universal health coverage.