The Ministry of Health & Wellness will join the global community in observing World Oral Health Day on Friday, March 20, 2026, under the theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life.” The observance aims to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and encouraging Jamaicans to take proactive steps toward protecting their oral health.

Oral diseases remain a major public health concern globally and in Jamaica, affecting people across the lifespan. These conditions can result in pain, discomfort, social isolation and reduced self-confidence, and are often associated with other serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. However, most oral health problems are preventable and can be effectively treated when identified early.

The Ministry’s Oral Health Unit continues to play a central role in building awareness across Jamaica about proper oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and healthier lifestyle choices. Through sustained outreach, school-based education, community engagements, screenings, and public awareness campaigns, the Ministry and the Regional Health Authorities promote preventive oral care year-round.

Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Irving McKenzie, JP underscored the importance of prevention and public education: “Oral health is an essential part of overall health and well-being. By encouraging proper brushing and flossing habits, reducing sugar intake, and ensuring regular dental visits, we can prevent many of the oral diseases affecting our population. World Oral Health Day gives us an important platform to reinforce these messages and empower Jamaicans to take charge of their oral health.”

To mark the observance, the Ministry will undertake a series of activities across the island beginning Monday, March 16, reaching schools, communities, and vulnerable populations.

Kingston & St. Andrew, St. Thomas and St. Catherine

Activities across Kingston & St. Andrew and St. Catherine will include Smile Check screenings, oral health education sessions, school tours, and integrated health fairs at institutions such as Edward Seaga Primary, Theresa Basic School, Lawrence Tavern, Genesis Academy, and the Golden Age Home. Additional outreach will include Sugar Smart Smiles School Tours, oral health screenings at schools including Holy Childhood Preparatory, and NCD health fairs at Hagley Park and Olympic Gardens Health Centres.

In St. Catherine, outreach will include Sugar Smart Smiles activities at Paul Mountain Primary School, an Integrated NCD Health Fair in Ewarton, and Smile Check screenings at Bridgeport Health Centre.

Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth

In Manchester, activities will include Sugar Smart Smiles school tours and oral health education sessions at Mile Gully High School, Victoria Town Primary, and Hatfield Primary, alongside a Smile Check community outreach station in Bryce and the launch of the Amazing Smiles Programme. In St. Elizabeth, outreach will include oral health education and screenings at Newton Early Childhood Institution, PTA engagement at Top Hill Primary, clinical activities at Santa Cruz Health Centre, and community outreach across the Balaclava Health District. Clarendon will also stage its Annual Oral Health Competition at St. Gabriel Anglican Church as part of the week’s activities.

St. Mary, St. Ann and Portland

In St. Mary, activities will include Sugar Smart Smiles outreach at Trinity Primary School, a Golden Years clinic at Annotto Bay Clinic for older persons, Smile Check screenings at the Rose Bank School of Excellence, and an antenatal oral health outreach at Port Maria Health Centre. In Portland, teams will conduct Sugar Smart Smiles screenings and oral health education at Buff Bay and Port Antonio Health Centres, along with outreach targeting special populations including residents of the Port Antonio Infirmary and students at Randolph Lopez School.

St. James, Trelawny, Westmoreland and Hanover

In St. Ann, oral health teams will lead Sugar Smart Smiles education activities at St. Ann’s Bay Primary School throughout the week, alongside Smile Check screenings and oral health education sessions at Hoolebury Primary, Murray Mountain School, and Great Pond School in Ocho Rios.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness urges all Jamaicans to use World Oral Health Day as an opportunity to adopt healthier habits and support the goal of achieving better oral health for all.