A Happy Mouth, A Confident Future A World Oral Health Day–Aligned Youth Oral Health Education Experience

Activity Title

A Happy Mouth, A Confident Future
A World Oral Health Day–Aligned Youth Oral Health Education Experience

Type of Activity

An interactive oral health workshop for secondary school students, combining evidence-based education, practical demonstrations, and AI-supported visual learning tools.”

Date

9 March 2026 (Preparatory activity ahead of World Oral Health Day – 20 March)

Location

Lagos State, Nigeria

Target Audience

Senior secondary school students (ages 14–19), educators, and youth volunteers

Number of Participants

105 direct participants
(Representing 21 secondary schools across Lagos State)

Detailed Activity Description

A Happy Mouth, A Confident Future is a youth-centred oral health education initiative designed as a preparatory activity for World Oral Health Day, delivered as a health extension of TEENTECH: AI Experience, an AI literacy programme reaching 1,000 secondary school students across Lagos State.

On 9 March, 105 senior secondary students (five representatives from each participating school) will convene for the programme’s main event. As part of this gathering, an oral health education session will be delivered to support the World Oral Health Day theme, “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life.”

The activity responds to a growing but often overlooked challenge: while adolescents increasingly engage with technology and digital tools, oral health education remains limited, poorly communicated, or misunderstood. Many young people are unaware of common oral diseases, underestimate the connection between oral health and overall health, or practise incorrect oral hygiene routines that persist into adulthood.

This initiative uses simple language, interactive discussions, and AI-designed visual infographics to help students understand oral health in a way that is practical, relatable, and confidence-building rather than fear-driven.

The session will focus on four core areas:

1. Common Oral Health Conditions
   An age-appropriate overview of prevalent oral conditions such as dental caries, gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth wear, and oral infections, including how they develop and why early prevention matters.
2. The Link Between Oral Health and General Health
   Students will learn how oral health is connected to nutrition, learning ability, self-esteem, systemic health, and overall quality of life. Evidence-based examples will be used to show how poor oral health can affect daily functioning and long-term wellbeing.
3. Preventive Oral Hygiene Practices
   Clear guidance on daily oral hygiene habits that students can practise and share with family members, including correct brushing frequency, toothpaste use, flossing, and dietary considerations.
4. Live Demonstrations
   Practical demonstrations of proper brushing and flossing techniques using dental models to reinforce learning and correct common mistakes.

The activity is designed to be interactive and empowering, encouraging questions, peer discussion, and knowledge sharing across schools.

Alignment with World Oral Health Day & FDI Vision 2030

This activity aligns directly with:

• World Oral Health Day 2026 Theme: “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life” by demonstrating how oral health influences confidence, learning, and wellbeing during adolescence.
• FDI Vision 2030 by prioritizing:
  • Prevention over treatment
  • Youth and school-based interventions
  • Oral health across the life course
  • Community-driven health advocacy

By targeting adolescents, the initiative supports early habit formation and long-term oral health outcomes.
 

Expected Impact

• Increased oral health knowledge among participating students
• Improved understanding of oral–systemic health connections
• Corrected brushing and flossing techniques
• Knowledge transfer to families and school communities
• Strengthened youth confidence around personal health decisions
   

Partners and Support

The activity is implemented in collaboration with youth volunteers and educators, with support sought from oral health stakeholders including dental clinics, professional associations, and oral care brands to provide educational materials and preventive oral hygiene resources.

Sustainability & Replicability

This model is designed to be replicable across schools, combining oral health education with youth-focused platforms. The approach can be adapted for future World Oral Health Day activities and expanded to reach more schools and communities.
 

Organizer / Project Lead

Dr. Precious Agudozie
Dental Doctor & Oral Health Advocate
Project Lead, WOHD Oral Health Extension – TEENTECH: AI Experience