On June 9, the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Health Promotion Development Institute held a ceremony for the 80th Oral Health Day at the Post Tower in Myeong-dong, Seoul. This event marked the 80th anniversary of Oral Health Day, which began in 1946, and highlighted the importance of oral health by awarding 63 individuals who contributed to the improvement of national oral health and conducting symbolic intergenerational award ceremonies.
At the ceremony, individuals and organizations, including Seokwangseok, director of the Central Disabled Oral Treatment Center, and Ham Ji-in, an official at the Seocheon County Health Center in Chungcheongnam-do, received commendations from the Minister of Health and Welfare. Director Seokwangseok was recognized for expanding access to dental care for people with disabilities, while official Ham Ji-in received recognition for site-centered activities for underprivileged groups.
The award presentation to a 102-year-old elder and an 8-year-old child was a particularly noteworthy event symbolizing the intergenerational value of oral health. Mr. Kim Imsik, who was awarded the ‘Oral Health Elder Award,’ revealed that maintaining healthy teeth is attributed to lifestyle habits such as water intake, using dental floss, and regular check-ups.
On the same day, the Korean Dental Association and other related organizations operated mobile dental buses for oral examinations and oral hygiene education in the plaza in front of Bank of Korea. The experience booths also provided demonstrations on how to use oral care products and offered education on oral management for people with disabilities.
In his commemorative address, Jeong Yoon-soon, head of the Health and Medical Policy Office of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated, “We will pursue a prevention-centered oral policy for the era of 100-year healthy lifespan,” and expressed gratitude and congratulations to the honorees.
From June 9 to 15, Oral Health Week is designated, during which the ‘0609 Oral Health Campaign’ will be held. Local governments and related organizations will conduct education, campaigns, and free examinations in the community.