The 346th China Engineering Science and Technology Forum, focusing on the overall ecology of the oral microbiota in relation to translational research in chronic diseases, was held in Shanghai on March 30 and 31, 2023. It attracted hundreds of experts and scholars from universities, hospitals, research institutes, enterprises, and government departments.

The forum addressed the impacts of oral microbiome changes on the etiology, course, treatment, and prognosis of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, tumors, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Alzheimer's, and other diseases. The event discussed key research areas in the integration of oral ecology and major chronic diseases, and also explored development trends and opportunities of oral health science.