- Knowledge Exchange
- Expressions Summer 2025
A Happy Mouth Is... A Happy Mind
Faculty marks World Oral Health Day 2025 with local school essay contest
A group photo of the essay competition awardees with distinguished guests.
To celebrate World Oral Health Day and strengthen engagement with local schools, the HKU Faculty of Dentistry hosted the “Oral Health Essay Competition 2025” for secondary schools across Hong Kong. The initiative concluded with an award ceremony held at the Faculty on 8 May.
The essay competition, organised by the Faculty’s External Relations and Knowledge Exchange Unit, aimed to raise awareness of the importance of oral health as a key component of mental and overall well-being, among students, their teachers, and their parents. The contest was designed for the students to research into and report on the impact of healthy mouths on confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life. More than 100 high-quality entries were received, of which 10 were considered to be outstanding submissions, selected for their thoughtful and profound exploration of the essay theme: “Oral health nourishes our body and mind”.
To celebrate with the 10 awardees, esteemed current and past office bearers of the FDI World Dental Federation were invited as guests of honour to present certificates at the award ceremony. They also shared valuable insights on how maintaining good oral health contributes to mental health, overall well-being, and a happier life.
Joyful faces as awardees take photos with the guests.
Award recipient shares a joyful moment with her teacher.
An award winner commemorates her achievement.
Sharing from Dental Professionals
Dr William Cheung
- Council Member, FDI World Dental Federation (2024-2027)
- Former Chair, Education Committee, FDI World Dental Federation
- Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, HKU Faculty of Dentistry
There is growing evidence to support how oral health is intimately related to systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease, kidney disease, and even mental health. I congratulate the winners of the competition, as most of the essays captured the importance of oral health in relation to the overall well-being of an individual.
Dr Tin-chun Wong
- Former President, FDI World Dental Federation
A happy mouth means a happy life. It’s true: when we are happy, we can do more things, we are more self-confident, we are more eager to try new adventures, and our life becomes happier.
Professor Lijian Jin
- Former Council Member, FDI World Dental Federation
- Former Chair, Science Committee, FDI World Dental Federation
- Then-Acting Dean, Modern Dental Laboratory Professor in Clinical Dental Science, Chair Professor of Periodontology, Clinical Professor in Periodontology, HKU Faculty of Dentistry
This event is very meaningful, as it lets us engage specifically with Hong Kong’s young students. Because we are promoting oral health, we also promote general well-being and general health.
Dr Spencer Chan
- President, Hong Kong Dental Association
- Vice-President, Asia Pacific Dental Federation / Asia Pacific Regional Organisation of FDI World Dental Federation