Griffith University’s Professor Marco A. Peres has presented at the London launch of The Lancet Series on Oral Health, which he co-authored.

The launch followed significant media interest in the series from Australian journalists.

Professor Peres was the only Australian involved in the series, the first author of one paper and the senior author of a second.

The Lancet series highlighted the global public health importance of oral diseases and an urgent need for radical system and policy reform.

Professor Marco A. Peres

The study found oral diseases, including tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancers, affect almost half of the global population, with untreated dental decay the most common health condition worldwide. Lip and oral cavity cancers are among the top 15 most common cancers in the world.

Professor Peres said he was proud of being part of the international team who authored the study.

“We are challenging policymakers in the health sector and dental professional bodies for taking radical actions to tackle oral diseases globally,” he said.

The social and commercial determinants of oral diseases are discussed in the series and opportunities are identified for future action on these health issues.

Professor Peres is a member of Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland and was presented with the Distinguished Scientist Award for Global Oral Health Research by the International Association for Dental Research in 2017.

The launch took place on July 24. The Lancet is one of the world’s most prestigious peer-reviewed medical journals.