Abstract
Exploring the Use of Digital Tools in Promoting Global Oral Health: A Case Study of the Solidarity Dental Foundation
APHA 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo
Aim: Examine the role and effectiveness of digital platforms in promoting global oral health efforts, using the Solidarity Dental Foundation as a case study.
Methods: A descriptive quantitative assessment of four digital tools categories (digital workspaces, social media platforms, communication and broadcasting, and evaluation and engagement) was conducted. These were assessed based on feasibility (measured by usage frequency), reach (audience size and geographic distribution), and impact (engagement, event participation, and survey responses); to assess their effectiveness in advancing the Foundation’s global oral health mission.
Results: Digital workspaces enabled internal and external collaboration, supporting communication, event organization, and project development with individuals across 5 organizations and 6 countries. Social media outreach achieved a global reach of over 4,000 accounts, with engagement rates of up to 57.3%, demonstrating strong interaction from both followers and non-followers. Communication tools enabled effective delivery of meetings and workshops, including the successful broadcast of a global oral health symposium. Evaluation and engagement tools were leveraged to collect real-time feedback from remote and in-person audiences, serving as research instruments for data collection and informing academic outputs.
Conclusion: Digital tools are cost-effective and impactful in advancing global oral health advocacy and collaboration. Their strategic use enhances participation, knowledge exchange, and outreach, offering valuable insights for future strategies in global health promotion.
Advocacy for health and health education Communication and informatics Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs