FDI opens Smile Grant 2027 applications for projects improving oral health

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Dental Association (PDA), led by President Dr Khurshid Ahmad, has invited the country’s dental community to explore the FDI Smile Grant 2027, an international funding opportunity offering CHF 5, 000 each to two outstanding projects improving oral health through education, prevention and community outreach. The initiative, supported by the Colgate-Palmolive Company, recognises established programmes with measurable community benefits, with applications closing on February 1, 2027. The grant offers dental institutions, public health organisations and community initiatives an opportunity to bring their preventive healthcare work to international attention. However, it is intended for programmes already making a difference, rather than projects that have yet to begin. Successful applicants will receive financial support and recognition at the FDI World Dental Congress, where winning initiatives are presented to an international audience of dental professionals and healthcare leaders. What is the FDI Smile Grant? Launched in 2016, the FDI Smile Grant supports innovative and sustainable oral health projects undertaken by eligible National Dental Associations (NDAs) that are members of the FDI World Dental Federation. The programme focuses on preventive dentistry, oral health education and community outreach, particularly initiatives that improve access to care, encourage healthier practices and address preventable oral diseases. Two projects are selected annually, with each receiving 5, 000 Swiss francs. The awards are presented during FDI’s General Assembly, held alongside the FDI World Dental Congress. The grant has supported initiatives ranging from school-based oral hygiene education and mobile dental services to programmes helping children with special needs establish effective daily brushing routines. Who can apply for the 2027 grant? Applications are open to FDI Regular or Associate Member National Dental Associations with qualifying community oral health projects. To be eligible, a project must have been operating for at least one year and be expected to continue for at least another year. Newly proposed initiatives and one-off activities that do not meet these conditions are not eligible. Projects may address dental caries or other oral health conditions, provided they have a strong focus on education, prevention or oral health promotion. Funding arrangements are also subject to restrictions. Eligible programmes should be supported by a member national dental association, another not-for-profit organisation or institution, a government body and/or Colgate. Projects supported by other FDI corporate partners are excluded. National Dental Associations that received the Smile Grant in either of the preceding two years are also ineligible for the 2027 awards. Dental colleges, hospitals, charities and other organisations interested in participating must work within the association-led eligibility framework, rather than applying independently as non-member institutions. How will the winning projects be selected? The selection process considers four main factors: educational and preventive outcomes, community outreach and benefits, involvement of key stakeholders, and sustainability. Projects must demonstrate how their work benefits the communities they serve, the role of participating organisations and their ability to maintain those benefits over time. Evidence of regular activities, community participation, measurable improvements and continued implementation will be important in assessing applications. The significance of meeting the eligibility conditions is reflected in the 2025 award cycle. FDI received 17 applications, of which 11 were declared ineligible, leaving six projects for further consideration. Two winners were ultimately selected. What kinds of projects have won the Smile Grant? The 2026 Smile Grant winners, recognised at the FDI World Dental Congress in Prague, Czech Republic, offer examples of how practical community initiatives can achieve international recognition. The awards were presented by Assist. Prof. Dr Nikolai Sharkov, President of the FDI World Dental Federation, to the Hellenic Dental Association of Greece and the New Zealand Dental Association. Greece: Taking preventive dentistry into schools, remote communities The Hellenic Dental Association was recognised for its “Dr. Beaver, the Tooth Master” programme, which combines mobile dental services, school visits, storytelling and children’s theatre to promote oral health. The initiative reaches approximately 5, 500 children across 130 schools annually, providing preventive examinations, fluoride applications and education on toothbrushing and healthy nutrition. Its educational story has been distributed in more than 30, 000 copies since 2022, while theatrical performances have reached over 20, 000 children across Crete. The programme also works with Doctors of the Aegean to extend preventive dental services to remote Greek islands, where access to routine oral healthcare can be limited. New Zealand: Making daily brushing easier for children with special needs The New Zealand Dental Association received the award for its Supervised Electric Toothbrushing Programme, developed for children attending special schools and high-needs educational settings. The initiative brings supervised brushing into the school day, with dental professionals, teachers and occupational therapists working together to help children overcome physical, sensory and coordination difficulties. Initially introduced in Auckland, the programme is expanding to additional schools, helping children develop consistent oral hygiene routines through practical, individualised support. Both projects demonstrate how community partnerships and sustained preventive interventions can address oral health challenges without relying exclusively on expensive technology or complex infrastructure. Earlier winners highlight the reach of community dentistry In 2025, the Australian Dental Association and the Philippine Dental Association received the Smile Grant for programmes addressing different barriers to oral healthcare. The Australian Dental Association’s Dental Health Foundation was recognised for initiatives including Dental Rescue Days, Adopt a Patient and Rebuilding Smiles, which help disadvantaged individuals access dental care through volunteer professionals and charitable partnerships. The Adopt a Patient programme had provided treatment to nearly 1, 000 people, while more than 1, 500 dental appointments had been supported nationally. The Philippine Dental Association’s La Union Chapter received recognition for its Little Doctors Programme, which trains schoolchildren to promote oral hygiene, preventive practices and basic health awareness among classmates and families. Inspired by the research of Dr Artemio Licos Jr. , the initiative uses peer education and supervised toothbrushing to encourage healthier habits. A new group of pupils is trained each year, allowing the programme to continue across successive classes. The 2025 awards were presented at the FDI World Dental Congress in Shanghai, China, by Dr Greg Chadwick, then President of the FDI World Dental Federation. These projects reflect the grant’s emphasis on preventive care that reaches communities and continues delivering benefits beyond an individual campaign or funding cycle. What opportunities does the grant offer for Pakistan? Pakistan’s dental colleges, teaching hospitals, professional organisations and charitable institutions conduct a range of oral health activities, including school screenings, preventive education and outreach in underserved communities. Established programmes with documented results could be considered for the Smile Grant if they meet the membership, operating-history and funding requirements. Potentially relevant initiatives include school-based oral hygiene education, preventive programmes for children with disabilities, long-term community awareness activities and outreach providing preventive care in rural areas. The opportunity may be particularly valuable for organisations that have built lasting partnerships with schools, community groups or healthcare institutions and can demonstrate improvements in oral health knowledge, behaviour or access to preventive services. The experiences of previous winners also show the value of adapting programmes to local needs. Whether through mobile dental units, daily supervised brushing or peer-led education, successful initiatives have combined practical delivery with sustained community participation. For qualifying projects in Pakistan, the grant offers an opportunity to present those achievements internationally and secure additional support for work already under way. Taking local oral health initiatives to a global platform The FDI Smile Grant recognises an essential part of dentistry that often receives less attention than advanced clinical treatment: the work being done to prevent oral diseases before they develop. From teaching children better oral hygiene habits to bringing preventive services to underserved communities, such initiatives can produce lasting improvements in public health. For established programmes in Pakistan, the 2027 grant provides an opportunity to demonstrate that impact internationally, gain recognition and secure additional support. With applications closing on February 1, 2027, eligible organisations have an opportunity to put forward their work and compete for recognition among community oral health programmes from around the world. 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