SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 5, 2025 – A new report released by the World Economic Forum, co-authored by Dr. Maria Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate-Palmolive, makes a compelling case for elevating oral health as a central pillar of public health strategy and economic development. The report, The Economic Rationale for a Global Commitment to Invest in Oral Health, underscores the significant economic burden of untreated oral diseases—estimated at $710 billion annually—and calls for global collaboration to improve access, awareness, and investment in oral health.
Oral Health: A High-Impact, Often Overlooked Investment
Oral diseases currently affect 3.5 billion people globally, surpassing the combined burden of mental disorders, heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions, and all cancers. Yet despite its scale, oral health remains one of the most neglected areas in global health policy.
The report outlines the broad consequences of inadequate oral healthcare, from diminished workforce productivity to impaired educational outcomes. Children with untreated dental issues often miss school, and adults face compromised employment prospects—particularly in underserved communities, deepening existing inequalities.
“As the scientific support of the connections between often neglected oral health and overall health and wellbeing continue to grow, the need for an economic rationale for investment in oral health became imperative,” said Dr. Ryan. “As a leader in oral health, Colgate was proud to initiate an effort, with partners and other stakeholders, to highlight the impact of poor oral health on the global economy and to suggest key actions to elevate oral health within the global health agenda in support of our purpose of reimagining a healthier future for all.”
Strategic Collaboration for Global Impact
The initiative is backed by a coalition of major stakeholders in health and wellness, including Colgate-Palmolive, Henry Schein, and the American Dental Association. Their partnership with the World Economic Forum highlights a growing consensus among public and private sectors that oral health is not just a personal concern—it is a matter of global economic and societal stability.
Key goals of the report include:
- Promoting the inclusion of oral health in universal health coverage (UHC) frameworks
- Driving public-private collaboration to improve dental care accessibility and affordability
- Encouraging education and preventive care as primary tools for cost-effective health outcomes
- Addressing oral health disparities as part of a broader equity and inclusion strategy
Simple Actions, Significant Outcomes
The report emphasizes that many oral health issues are preventable through low-cost, high-impact behaviors:
- Brushing and flossing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Reducing sugar consumption in snacks and beverages
- Attending regular dental check-ups to catch issues early
These simple practices, combined with broader systemic changes, can significantly reduce the burden of disease and associated economic losses. Delaying intervention often leads to higher treatment costs and greater productivity disruption across populations.
Aligning with Broader Healthcare Trends
The release of this report aligns with a growing shift in global healthcare strategy toward preventive, value-based care. As governments and industries seek to reduce costs while improving outcomes, oral health emerges as a highly actionable and cost-effective lever.
Colgate’s role in spearheading the initiative reflects a strategic alignment with its corporate mission and leadership in consumer health products. With its products reaching more homes than any other oral care brand, the company is uniquely positioned to influence both policy and public behavior.
A Call for Cross-Sector Action
As the world grapples with rising healthcare costs and persistent disparities, the report’s message is clear: oral health must be prioritized at every level—from households to health ministries to multinational policy forums.
To access the full report and learn more about Colgate-Palmolive’s commitment to advancing global health equity, visit https://www.colgatepalmolive.com.