Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital has played a key role in the development of the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) newly approved guidelines on sports dentistry, aimed at enhancing dental health and the management of dental emergencies for footballers across Asia. The AFC Sports Dentistry Guideline for Dental Health and On-field Management of Dental Emergencies was formally approved by the AFC Medical Committee to provide a standardized, evidence-based framework promoting oral health and improving the response to orofacial injuries during matches.
The guidelines are designed as a resource for AFC Member Associations and healthcare professionals working with football players throughout the continent. They focus on dental injury prevention, early screening, emergency preparedness, and clinical best practices to streamline care and support athlete well-being.
The initiative was led by Dr. Mohammed Alsaey, Director of Sports Dentistry at Aspetar and Chair of the AFC Sports Dentistry Advisory Group. Development involved collaboration with top sports dentistry specialists from across Asia. Dato’ Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Chairperson of the AFC Medical Committee, underscored the significance of the guidelines as a major advancement in athlete healthcare within Asian football. He highlighted their role in helping member associations prevent injuries, safeguard player health, and promote long-term oral hygiene.
The new guidelines reflect growing awareness of the connection between oral health and overall athletic performance and well-being. By integrating dental care within existing football medicine systems, the framework aims to ensure more consistent and timely care for players, particularly in emergency situations on the field.
Dr. Alsaey emphasized that good oral health is essential for athletes’ overall health and performance. He described the approval of the guidelines as a landmark achievement for both sports dentistry and football in Asia. According to him, the collaborative effort has produced clear, evidence-based recommendations that will elevate prevention, education, and clinical care standards in football.
Aspetar’s involvement aligns with its ongoing dedication to advancing specialized sports medicine and translating clinical research and expertise into practical protocols that benefit athletes and sporting organizations. The adoption of these guidelines is expected to improve player safety and medical response throughout Asian football, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive healthcare in the sport.