In today’s rapidly evolving and digitally connected world, nearly 50% of people globally still experience oral diseases such as cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease.1 Additionally, the World Economic Forum estimates the global economic burden of oral diseases to be $710 billion annually as implications of poor oral health reach far beyond the confines of the mouth, adversely affecting physical, mental, and even socio-economic well-being.2 And, major barriers to accessing dental treatment include high costs, lack of accessible services, geographic isolation, fear and anxiety.3 These data highlight a strong correlation between oral health and broader health outcomes, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive care models.
As a leading consumer health company, and with our Colgate brand found in more homes than any other, Colgate-Palmolive is at the forefront of addressing these pressing oral health challenges. By engaging global partners, advancing oral health education and literacy, and supporting the next generation of dental professionals, we are pioneering efforts to elevate oral health standards worldwide.
Colgate’s flagship oral health education program, Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF), is one way we are demonstrating this commitment. Since it was established in 1991, BSBF has reached 2 billion children and their families in more than 100 countries, educating people on the connection between oral health and overall wellbeing. Through meaningful partnerships with retailers, educators, governments and other key stakeholders, the program helps expand access to dental care and provides the tools and products needed to build healthy habits. This multifaceted approach not only enhances individual health outcomes but also promotes a healthier future for all.
Partnering to Drive Our Global Oral Health Commitment
Colgate-Palmolive is committed to enhancing oral health education and literacy through strategic collaborations with both global and U.S.-based organizations to help close the oral health care gap, including:
FDI World Dental Federation (FDI): In collaboration, we developed the Whole Mouth Health Project, including digital activities for knowledge sharing and education. This project aims to enhance oral health literacy by allowing users to share experiences to equip oral health professionals with the latest evidence-based insights on oral-systemic health. Furthermore, Colgate-Palmolive supports the FDI Smile Grants, which recognizes members of the National Dental Associations (NDAs) that are making a difference in oral health through innovative and sustainable community outreach projects in their countries.
International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD): Across the digital ecosystem we provide accessible educational resources for dentists worldwide, including educational podcasts, newsletters and social content. Meeting professionals where they are seeking information, these initiatives provide global oral health best practices and emphasize the importance of paediatric oral health.
American Dental Association (ADA): To provide underserved children with free dental care, we partner with the ADA on their Give Kids a Smile program. Through nearly 37,000 dental health volunteers this annual initiative provides free oral health education, screenings, preventive and restorative treatment to over 300,000 children in local communities.
Reimaging a Healthier Future for All
As a caring, innovative growth company, we utilize our global scale and reach to provide resources and improve oral health literacy globally to help alleviate barriers to care. “Part of providing a healthier future for all, is investing in the future generation of leaders and dental professionals,” says Ram Raghavan, President of Colgate-Palmolive Enterprise Oral Care. “At Colgate-Palmolive, we collaborate with health professionals and their associations to enhance educational resources and training. This empowers providers to adopt comprehensive, whole-body health approaches, ultimately benefiting their patients' lives.”
Elevating Future Professionals
We understand how our mission is driven by providers who have the tools and education to make an impact in the oral health community. Key partnerships and programs include:
National Dental Association Foundation (NDAF): For over 30 years Colgate-Palmolive has partnered with NDAF to support dental students to pursue careers in oral health through eight different scholarship opportunities. In addition to alleviating financial barriers, these scholarships celebrate excellence in academics, community service, leadership, and research.
International Association of Dental Students (IADS): Empowering the next generation of dental professionals, IADS mobilizes its 200,000+ members across 60 countries to develop public health innovations focused on children's health and well-being to implement and disseminate these initiatives globally. In 2025, the Mint a Smile contest highlighted seven oral health projects with Pakistan’s “Oral Allies” initiative winning.
Hispanic Dental Association Foundation (HDAF): As a founding sponsor of the Hispanic Dental Association, Colgate-Palmolive has joined the HDAF to continuously provide accredited training and professional development in the dental field. In 2024, Colgate and HDAF awarded eight scholarships to aspiring dental professionals to further their academic training in the field.
“Our commitment to future professionals is a testament to our dedication to advancing oral health education,” says Dr. Matilde Hernandez, DDS, MS, MBA, FICD, Director Professional Engagement and Scientific Affairs Colgate-Palmolive. “Our success wouldn’t be possible without inspiring and supporting the next generation of oral health leaders with the tools and support they need to bridge the oral health care gap.”
The ongoing challenges of oral diseases underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and accessible dental care solutions. Colgate-Palmolive addresses these challenges through active and strategic collaborations with a diverse network of global partners. By working together we are spearheading innovative initiatives that aim to bridge the oral health care gap, and inspire a future generation of leaders. These partnerships transcend mere engagement; they embody a collaborative effort to achieve shared missions of creating a healthier future for all.
References
World Health Organization. Global oral health status report: towards universal health coverage for oral health by 2030. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240061484 Accessed July 23, 2025.
World Economic Forum. The economic rationale for a global commitment to invest in oral health. https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-economic-rationale-for-a-global-commitment-to-invest-in-oral-health/ Accessed July 23, 2025.
National Institutes of Health. Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges. Bethesda, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2021.
