In Mexico City in September worldwide leaders in dentistry and public health gathered to kick off the Mexican chapter of the 'Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future', a global campaign to stop cavities.

The Alliance, which launched globally in September 2010, is a worldwide group of experts who have joined together to promote integrated clinical and public health action to stop caries initiation and progression. The group believes that global collaborative action is needed to challenge global leaders and other regional and local stakeholders to learn the importance of caries as a disease continuum where small initial caries lesions can be prevented and controlled before developing into gross cavities. The Alliance also works to drive and to participate in action toward the delivery of comprehensive caries prevention and management.

Led by Dr Heriberto Vera, former Chief Dental Officer for Mexico and the Chairman of the Mexican Alliance Chapter, key influencers in oral health and public health from Mexico showed their support for a new approach to caries and signed a declaration committing to the goals of the Alliance.

'At the global level, we continue to learn the importance of how cavities occur along a continuum and how important it is to detect and treat caries early in order to prevent the formation of cavities,' said Dr Nigel Pitts, Chairman of the global Alliance. 'We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Mexico and its dedicated dental and public health community to bring this new awareness about caries to the country and its people.'

In an effort to raise awareness about caries and how to prevent it, the Alliance unveiled a free, online consumer website that provides information about caries and resources to help prevent and manage early cavities. On the website, individuals and families who are committed to stopping early cavities can learn about caries and download a checklist to help assess their current oral health habits. After completing the items on the checklist, consumers receive a Certificate of Completion, demonstrating their commitment to oral health. To access the website visit www.AllianceForACavityFreeFuture.org