What makes you smile

Ferney-Voltaire, France鈥擶rigley Oral Healthcare Programs and the FDI World Dental Federation are sponsoring their second FDI & Wrigley Photographic Award March 16 to July 8.

Dental professionals can submit photos that capture “what makes them smile” via a dedicated Web site, www.PhotoAward.org聽for a chance to win a trip to an upcoming FDI World Dental Congress. Wrigley will donate $25 for each entry received鈥攗p to $25,000鈥攖o the FDI’s World Dental Development Fund, which supports oral health education and projects worldwide.

Six regional winners, one each from Africa, Asia Pacific and Oceania, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and North America, will receive a gift voucher for $1,000 to spend on the latest photographic equipment, a year’s subscription to the International Dental Journal and a year’s supply of Wrigley’s sugar-free gum (about 140 packs).

From the six regional winners, a grand prize winner will be awarded a VIP all-expense-paid trip to his/her choice of either the 2009 FDI Annual World Dental Congress in Singapore (September 2-5) or the 2010 FDI Annual World Dental Congress in Brazil (September 2-5, 2010). The trip includes round trip airfare for one person, four nights in a four-star hotel, complimentary Congress registration and $500 spending money. In addition, the winner will have the choice to upgrade their ticket to business class or bring a companion to the Congress. Visit the Web site for full terms and conditions.

New in 2009, following the selection of regional winners, 50 names will be chosen at random from the remaining entries to receive a year’s supply of Wrigley’s sugar-free chewing gum.

“Oral health care professionals play a significant role in creating healthy smiles around the world and we are excited to give them the opportunity to share what makes them smile,” said Maureen Jones, Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program manager. “The FDI & Wrigley Photographic Award is one example of the great initiatives these two organizations have worked on during their long partnership to help bring dentists and their patients easy tools for proper oral health care.”

Dental professionals and students registered at dental and/or hygiene schools age 18 and older can enter and upload up to five digital photographs. Photos can be images from dental practice, family or reflective photos that bring a smile or grin to their face.

“I want to thank our partners, Wrigley’s, for again helping raise funds for promoting global oral health through this photographic award,” said Dr. David Alexander, FDI executive director. “Together we hope dental professionals will show their immense creativity by entering the competition, and at the same time demonstrate their concern for those who suffer low quality of life due to preventable oral diseases.”

For more information about the FDI World Dental Federation, visit www.fdiworldental.org聽or contact the ADA Division of Global Affairs, 1-312-440-2726 or international@ada.org.