On the occasion of World Oral Health Day 2025, the Dental Science Hygienist Association of Nepal (DSHAN) successfully organized the “3rd International Oral Health Summit 2025” on March 20, 2025, at the Pokhara Event Center in Pokhara, Nepal. This landmark event brought together oral health professionals, delegates, and experts from Nepal and abroad to celebrate advancements in oral health and address key challenges in the field.
The summit was graced by the presence of Honorable Krishna Prasad Pathak, the Health Minister of Gandaki Province, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Subodh Kumar Sharma, the Chairman of the Nepal Health Professional Council, as the Special Guest. Their participation underscored the importance of oral health in public health policy and professional development in Nepal. The event was chaired by Mr. Mikal Devkota, the President of DSHAN, whose leadership and dedication were pivotal to the success of the summit. In addition the event was addressed by Jill Rethman, the President of International Federation of Dental Hygienist (IFDH) through a recorded video message.
The summit attracted 7 delegates from Bangladesh and approximately 150 national participants, including Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienists, and CDS (Dental Hygienists) from all regions of Nepal. Additionally, the event featured International speakers who shared their expertise and insights: Mr. Deepak Simkhada from the United Kingdom, Dr. Gitana Redriene from Lithuania and M/sTabitha Acret from Australia. Their contributions enriched the discussions and provided a global perspective on oral health challenges and innovations.
The program emphasized the theme of World Oral Health Day “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind” focusing on preventive care, education, and the critical role of oral health professionals in improving public health outcomes. Interactive sessions, workshops, and presentations explored cutting-edge practices, policy development, and community engagement strategies to address oral health disparities.
As the Program Coordinator, I am honored to have been part of this transformative event, which not only celebrated the achievements of oral health professionals but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and initiatives. The summit reinforced the importance of global cooperation, continuous learning, and advocacy in advancing oral health care in Nepal and beyond.