The Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association will stage an exciting, high-visibility national parade for World Oral Health Day, 20 March 2026 that brings the FDI message, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,” directly into the streets and hearts of St. John’s. Our World Oral Health Day Parade features the children of our Sunny Smiles Program where we have been taking dentistry into eight schools The parade will begin at the Lion’s Den of Lions Club International and proceed through the downtown area along Cross Street, Redcliffe Street, Market Street, Newgate Street, and back to Cross Street, creating a strong public presence in the heart of the city, including major business and tourist areas.
Promotion began with radio advertisements featuring Toothie, the official FDI mascot, ending with our parade message and helping to build public anticipation and awareness. The parade will open with police outriders on motorcycles and a police escort, followed by the Bon Appétit Drum Corps and bold 3 ft by 6 ft banners displaying the World Oral Health Day message and the logos of ABDA and FDI. The procession will feature Toothie, fruits, vegetables, Mr. Toothpaste, and other costumed characters; 50 children from our Sunny Smiles schools accompanied by teachers; dentists walking and driving; and two decorated trucks carrying banners with messages such as “Your Smile Matters” and “Drink Water, Eat Fruits and Vegetables,” along with the 2026 slogan. Eighteen medical students from the University of Health Sciences Medical School will participate, along with volunteers, first responders, and the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross ambulance, one of our coalition partners. Participants will wear blue World Oral Health Day T-shirts, while the costumes, music, movement, and color will bring oral health and nutrition education to life.
The parade will also include public engagement through chants led by the children:
Leader: When do we brush?
Children: Morning and night!
Leader: Why do we brush?
Children: To keep smiles bright!
All Together: A HAPPY MOUTH… IS A HAPPY LIFE!
Opening remarks will remind the public that the mouth is the gateway to the body and that poor oral health has been linked to heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and even dementia. While the event will be festive and joyful, its purpose is deeply educational: to emphasize that oral health is essential to total body health. Through strong community participation, creative messaging, and wide public visibility, this parade will be a memorable demonstration of prevention, partnership, and public engagement in oral health.
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