The Public Oral Health Forum (POHF) is committed to addressing the rising burden of oral diseases and the deepening inequalities in oral health outcomes in our context. Our four key areas – advocacy, organisational development, education and training, and research and policy development – shape our response.
Our advocacy focuses on securing fair access to quality oral healthcare through lobbying efforts aimed at increasing investment in oral health and integrating it into wider public health plans, targeting both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. By focusing on organisational development, we strive to create a well-structured, insightful oral health workforce capable of driving sustainable change and improving oral health. Our investment in education and training seeks to empower communities and professionals with the knowledge and skills to take proactive action in oral health promotion and access to care. Lastly, our research and policy goals are to foster innovation and evidence-based approaches for equitable oral health policies. These pillars collectively drive our mission to create an oral health system that is just, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all who live in South Africa.
