First AVOLA symposium to take place in October

Curaden

Wed. 11 September 2024

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LUCERNE, Switzerland: On 11 October, the non-profit association AVOLA is hosting its inaugural symposium, aimed at redefining the role of oral health in the broader healthcare landscape. Themed “The Oral–Systemic Health Connection”, the event will gather healthcare professionals, therapists and policymakers at the KKL Luzern in Switzerland to explore the critical links between oral health and systemic disease.

Founded to address the shortcomings of the current disease-focused medical system, AVOLA is a multidisciplinary, independent network of healthcare professionals and partners committed to enhancing global health by focusing on oral health as a key indicator of overall well-being. The association advocates for a shift towards prevention and health promotion, providing evidence-based information to empower individuals and reduce healthcare costs.

“Prevention and health promotion can change the world, and achieving these must become our mission and obsession,” said Marcel J. Scacchi, AVOLA’s managing director. “It is surely necessary for something to change here, and fortunately, we are noticing that more and more people are comprehending that our current health systems, primarily based on the treatment of illness, are leading to a dead end.”

The state of oral health: A global challenge

Oral health is a significant but often overlooked aspect of public health. Currently, oral disease is among the most prevalent health conditions worldwide. Mild forms of periodontitis affect more than half of the global population, and gingivitis approximately 90% of people worldwide. According to research, these conditions are the most widespread health issues globally, rivalling the prevalence of dental caries. This challenge is further intensified by ageing populations, who are retaining more of their natural teeth.

In the EU, oral disease ranks third in healthcare costs, surpassed only by diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These statistics reflect stark socio-economic inequalities, oral health serving as a clear marker of such disparities. Despite the significant impact of oral health, promotion thereof has often been neglected in broader healthcare discussions.

Advocating for a new approach to health

AVOLA was founded to challenge the current disease-driven medical model by promoting a more holistic approach that integrates oral health into overall health and well-being. The association aims to reduce healthcare costs and foster a healthier society by emphasising the oral microbiome’s role as a marker of health. In pursuit of its mission, AVOLA provides multichannel evidence-based education on disease prevention and health promotion, empowering individuals to take control of their health.

First symposium on the oral–systemic health connection

The first AVOLA symposium will serve as a platform to highlight the latest research and clinical insights into the connections between oral disease and systemic health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Renowned speakers will elaborate on topics such as the gut microbiome, personalised behavioural interventions and common risk factors linking oral and systemic disease. The event aims to provide participants with valuable evidence-based knowledge to enhance their disease prevention strategies and better inform their patients.

In addition to its educational content, the symposium will offer a unique social experience. A keynote address at the Lucerne planetarium by Prof. Ben Moore, an astrophysicist at the University of Zurich, will close the event, followed by a dinner at the Swiss Museum of Transport. This setting will provide an opportunity for participants to network with their peers and experts in a friendly, supportive environment, fostering new connections and deepening their understanding of the oral–systemic health relationship.

More information about the programme and registration can be found here.

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