The 'Make it happen @D3G Campaign' – 'Mih@D3G'

The 'Make it happen @D3G Campaign' (Mih@D3G) was launched by D3G and partners in 2026 by D3G and its collaborators to strengthen collective voice, action, and social impact of the D3-chalky teeth movement. Its purpose is to advance D3G's science-informed, prevention-focused, translational mission by growing engagement, partnerships and implementation worldwide. At its heart is an evolving translational framework for MH & chalky teeth, which shifts attention from isolated dental repair to global prevention and social good. With this reconceptualisation of the chalky teeth problem now underway through collaboration with leading lights and major stakeholders across the sector, attention turns to broader uptake and refinement at larger scale. That's what we mean by "make it happen at D3G".

Clearly, D3G can't do this on its own – nor should it. Collaboration and partnership are already embedded in the D3-chalky teeth movement – so further collective effort and joint venture is warranted, ultimately involving the whole sector worldwide. The Campaign therefore invites all interested parties to 'Join the Club D3'.

Our "Mih Campaign" also carries a cheeky second meaning. We're particularly keen to help modernise the legacy term "MIH" in ways that retain clinical utility while better engaging contemporary science, prevention and translation to social good. This evolutionary upgrade doesn't discount knowledge developed during the MIH era – it simply builds on it for the betterment of all.

Why translational implementation matters

In the progressive "science to social good" sense, science translation involves many stages – often these start with a scientific discovery, followed by various steps of development through to product or policy, then implementation and uptake at society level. Many other starting points exist – such as the need to modernise traditional concepts – leaving implementation as the key common factor for achieving social good. We refer to stakeholders involved in this last stage as "end translators" because they help bring translated knowledge into real-world use. In our case, these implementation partners include professional organisations, industry, policymakers, governments, social impact backers and the public.

The 'Mih@D3G Projects'

To help get the "implementation ball" rolling, we invite constructive participation, from all quarters, in the following projects (contact us).

PROJECT 1: Universal standards for D3 reporting

A big problem surrounds today's lack of standardised reporting across the D3-chalky teeth domain. Readers of today's literature for MIH and other D3s – be it in academic, professional, industry, or media settings – face a terminological chaos that is damaging at multiple levels and ultimately erodes the social impact of D3 science. D3G is attacking this problem in multiple ways, including: (1) providing exemplars across academic and general contexts; (2) event-based education and advocacy; and (3) developing draft guidelines to foster engagement and consensus.

• Action 1: D3 Reporting Guidelines – see here

PROJECT 2: Translational Peer Review initiative

One massive advantage of a translational science approach is ready access to various stakeholders from across the sector. And when it comes to formalised reporting – particularly in academic contexts – peer review at translational level empowers the "conversion of science into social good" in ways unavailable to traditional peer reviewing (i.e. discipline-based). This academic initiative seeks to complement Project 1 by developing a translational peer review service that ultimately will be accessible to users from across the sector.

• Action 1: Translational Peer Initiative – see here

PROJECT 3: Modernising MIH for social good

Today, MIH remains a commonly used clinical term – warts and all – deeply embedded in teaching, clinical practice and the literature. However, D3G's participation at two international events in 2025 (Enamel 11, IAPD Cape Town) finally evoked a resounding call for action over the MIH community's apparent reluctance to "get with the translational times", terminologically and conceptually speaking. Concerns centred on the ongoing stream of "MIH" academic publications and conference presentations that failed to at least acknowledge the well-established scientific transition from traditional "MIH" to D3-era thinking – despite high-level adoption of the new translational paradigm in other quarters. Conversely, we also heard about pushback (aka "change resistance") faced by some "MIHers" seeking modernisation. When "MIH loyalists" explained their reluctance to change, the collective reasons for retaining MIH terminology lacked scientific or translational strength. At the Enamel 11 mini-symposium – a deliberately MIH-free, D3-lingo setting – many participants commented on how readily they made the switch. Given that these circumstances are two sides of the same coin – continued reliance on clinical tradition on one hand, and advancement of science translation on the other – we've dubbed it the "MIH modernisation dilemma". Read more about the delightful mechanics of paradigm shifting here.

Building from Projects 1 and 2, the publishing ecosystem (comprising writers, reviewers, editors, publishers, bibliographic services, and critical readers) was chosen as a sensible starting point for ameliorative actions. If authors, reviewers and editors are seen as having shared responsibility for best-practice reporting, a letter to the editor offers an efficient way to address all three parties simultaneously, while fostering future engagement with the journal.

• Action 1: Letter to the editor at EAPD journal – see below
• Action 2: Second letter to the editor – underway
• Action 3: Third letter to the editor – pending
• Action 4: Fourth letter to the editor – on the lookout, ideas welcomed!

Letter to the Editor, EAPD journal, 2026

Responding to a scoping review article about updating clinical terminology from the "MIH era" – which, without any reference to the D3-chalky teeth movement, concluded "it may be timely to reconsider the terminology currently in use and adopt a more inclusive one" – eight D3 leaders submitted a Letter on behalf of D3G that: (1) applauded this conclusion; (2) encouraged broader consideration beyond the authors' clinical viewpoint; and (3) invited participation in a cross-sector march towards universal adoption of the socially transformative new paradigm for MH and chalky teeth. A key publication (missing from the scoping review) was also cited.

> Download our manuscript (accepted for review)

> Download the EAPD article by Bandeira Lopes et al, 2026

Cross-sector contributions to, and support for, our Letter

To "practice what we preach", the Letter's authorship comprised two career scientists, five paediatric dentists – all researchers with academic roles, and two of whom serve as chief editors of leading dental journals – and a global health expert (also a paediatric dentist). Before submission, the Letter was internally peer reviewed by a further two career scientists, an oral health therapist, two paediatric dentist/researchers, a public health dentist, two medico-dental experts, an industry representative, and a publicised MH-affected family.

Following EAPD's decision about publication, the D3 family was invited to "sign on" with their support of this Letter, as follows.

SIGN ON AND HAVE YOUR SAY

Since D3G's inception, we've been consolidating facts, ideals and opinions to produce our unique translational take on what will do most good for the world. So we want to hear what you think about this campaign for modernising MIH with a view to social good. Constructive comments, both for and against, are welcome from all backgrounds and perspectives.

For example:

• What do you think about this EAPD article, and the "MIH modernisation dilemma" more generally?
• Do you support the ideals behind our 'Make It Happen @D3G' campaign, or have other ideas for advancement?
• Are you happy that "MIH" has been given a new lease of life, built around translational science?

Alternatively

• Are there strong reasons for MIH not to be modernised (e.g. a double standard is okay)?
• Do you feel under-informed about D3-era thinking and the translational paradigm shift?

Feedback received

Supporters of 'Modernising MIH for Social Good'

We all "grew up in the MIH era", so to speak, but have moved on – guided by D3 science, prioritising prevention, and pursuing social good while retaining all the advances of that time. D3G's cross-sector, global experience shows what becomes possible when diverse expertise is brought together. We welcome others to bring their expertise, make the switch, and Join The Club D3.