Dr. Azeez Butali, the Gilbert E. Lilly Professor of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, participated in Mouth Matters 2: Oral Health for All, a global oral health event held Sept. 18 in New York City during the 81st United Nations General Assembly week.

The event brought together leaders from dentistry, public health, academia, nonprofit organizations, and other sectors to discuss strategies for strengthening the role of oral health within broader global health initiatives. The gathering focused in particular on the role of civil society in improving access to oral health care and integrating oral health into primary health care and universal health coverage. 

He also participated in the event’s closing remarks panel alongside oral health and public health leaders from institutions and organizations around the world.

The event was organized through the Mouth Matters initiative, a collaboration involving the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders, New York University, the Public Health Foundation of India, and other partners. Organizers designed the convening to bring civil society, researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders into conversations about the future of global oral health.