For the first time, footballers across Asia will play under a single set of dental health and emergency care standards. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has formally adopted new guidelines developed with direct input from Aspetar.
The AFC Medical Committee has approved the AFC Sports Dentistry Guideline for Dental Health and On-field Management of Dental Emergencies. These guidelines give AFC Member Associations and healthcare professionals a practical, research-based framework for preventing orofacial injuries and managing dental trauma during matches. According to a QNA report, the document is now the standard for all AFC member associations and team medical staff.
"In September 2026, Aspetar was named the official medical partner for all major AFC club tournaments and several national team competitions through June 2029, reflecting its expanded institutional role within Asian football."
Gulf Times
Dr. Mohammed Alsaey, Director of Sports Dentistry at Aspetar and Chair of the AFC Sports Dentistry Advisory Group, led the effort. He brought together sports dentistry specialists from across Asia to create clear, actionable recommendations. Dr. Alsaey called the approval a milestone for both sports dentistry and Asian football, noting that strong oral health is essential for athlete wellbeing, performance, and long-term health. The guidelines were developed under his leadership, with input from experts throughout the region, as confirmed by QNA.
Dato' Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Chairperson of the AFC Medical Committee, said the guidelines offer a practical framework to improve player welfare, prevent orofacial injuries, and support long-term oral health. He credited the AFC Sports Dentistry Advisory Group for its role in shaping the initiative, which is expected to benefit football communities across Asia. Dr. Singh emphasized that the recommendations focus on both prevention and on-field management of dental emergencies, so teams can respond quickly and effectively during matches.
The guidelines reflect a growing understanding that oral health is closely tied to overall athlete wellbeing. By including dental prevention, screening, emergency preparedness, and clinical best practices in football medicine, the AFC aims to help teams provide consistent and timely care for players at every level. As detailed in the official QNA announcement, the AFC Medical Committee has already formally approved the guidelines, making them the adopted standard.
"The AFC Sports Dentistry Guideline for Dental Health and On-field Management of Dental Emergencies was developed to address both the prevention and management of orofacial injuries, as well as to improve the response to dental emergencies directly on the field."
QNA
Aspetar's involvement goes beyond this project. The hospital has a long-standing commitment to advancing sports medicine and turning clinical expertise into practical standards. This collaborative process has produced recommendations that are both evidence-based and suited to the realities of football in Asia.
As the AFC rolls out these new standards, the effects will reach not only elite stadiums but also grassroots football, where access to dental care has often lagged. The guidelines are meant as a reference for all AFC Member Associations, so even the youngest or most remote teams can benefit from the same level of clinical preparedness as professional squads.
This development follows earlier efforts to address oral health disparities and make prevention part of daily routines, but the AFC's move is notable for its scale and direct impact on football operations.
By setting a new standard for dental health and emergency management in football, Aspetar and the AFC are raising the bar for athlete care across Asia. Oral health is now recognized as a core part of player welfare and performance. When clinical expertise is turned into enforceable, evidence-based policy, it leads to real progress for athletes and the wider dental community.
