Learn how to enhance public oral health in your community by engaging in global health initiatives and advocating for preventive oral health policies.
By Genni Burkhart
Oral health is integral to overall wellness, yet it remains one of the most overlooked areas of healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a staggering 3.5 billion people globally suffer from untreated oral diseases, ranging from dental caries to oral cancers.
By engaging with global health initiatives, U.S. dentists can improve dental care access for underserved populations and reduce disparities within their communities. This connection enhances U.S. public health by improving access to essential dental care and transforms how individuals receive treatment, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Global Efforts, Local Impact
The WHO’s Global Strategy on Oral Health—part of its broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—aims to reduce the global burden of oral diseases by 2030. This strategy involves collaboration among governments, healthcare companies, educational institutions, and private businesses.
In the United States, global strategies influence national policies, including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). With more than 40% of adults in the U.S. experiencing some form of oral disease, the lessons from global strategies can reshape how dental professionals approach care at home.
Healthcare can be expensive and complicated for Americans, leaving nearly 69 million adults without dental insurance or access to routine dental care, according to a 2023 report by CareQuest.
Because so many Americans struggle to access dental care, more expansive, transparent preventative measures such as water fluoridation, mobile clinics, and sealant programs—standard universal practices in countries like Australia, Canada, and Sweden—could greatly benefit underserved U.S. communities.
Learning from International and Domestic Initiatives
Dentists and policymakers in the U.S. can look to other countries for success stories and inspiration. For example, Finland and Denmark have successfully integrated oral health into broader healthcare systems. Oral care is universally available in these nations, emphasizing prevention rather than treatment. This approach highlights how prevention-oriented models bolstered by government-backed oral health programs reduce the long-term cost burden of oral diseases.
The U.S. also has preventative success stories, such as school-based sealant programs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these programs have been shown to reduce cavities by over 80% among children in high-risk communities. Expanding these programs to include all underserved populations could be a game-changer.
Delivering Care
Beyond policy initiatives, healthcare organizations, universities, and private practices can aid in driving global oral health initiatives. Private practices, for instance, can collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or participate in health missions, such as Dental Lifeline Network and the America's Dentists Care Foundation, to provide care to underserved populations here in the U.S. These missions offer insights into unique care delivery methods that can be replicated in your communities.
Additionally, the rising trend of mobile dental clinics—which have gained traction in the U.S. and other countries with limited access to fixed facilities—presents a quality option for communities that lack adequate care. Since the pandemic, teledentistry has transformed how dental professionals reach underserved communities, especially in rural areas.
Much like teledentistry, Community Dental Health Coordinators (CDHCs), a program promoted by the American Dental Association (ADA), serve as a bridge to improve access to dental care. Think of them as social workers for dentistry—CDHCs address issues such as transportation and other barriers to care. Recommendations include expanding preventive services, increasing the number of dentists in underserved areas, and enhancing public health initiatives around oral health education. (Alabama Reflector, 2024)
The ADA notes that various educational institutions nationwide provide the CDHC curriculum through continuing education or within dental hygiene and assisting programs.
Innovation and Collaboration
The private sector plays a pivotal role in advancing oral health through innovation. Companies that develop cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-driven diagnostic tools or eco-friendly oral hygiene products, can support oral health initiatives.
Collaboration between industry and healthcare professionals can drive the development of affordable dental products and equipment to increase access to care. Moreover, innovations such as biodegradable dental products and sustainable packaging align with growing environmental concerns and SDG goals, making dentistry patient-focused and eco-conscious.
Think Globally, Act Locally
Meaningful initiatives that drive global change can begin with positive actions in your local community.
Dental professionals can significantly impact local health campaigns, provide oral health education in schools, and collaborate with community health centers.
Furthermore, U.S. dentists can support policy advocacy efforts to increase oral health coverage and expand access to underserved populations. By joining professional organizations such as the ADA or participating in regional health forums, dental professionals can raise awareness and help shape policies that improve oral health worldwide.
Legislative Support
Several U.S. government programs and legislative initiatives are making oral health a priority. The Action for Dental Health Act passed in 2018 and reauthorized this year, provides funding to expand preventive and restorative care, particularly in underserved communities. This legislation supports local efforts by funding CDHCs that liaise between patients and dental professionals, particularly in rural or low-income areas.
The Action for Dental Health Act supports global oral health initiatives by improving U.S. dental care access, strengthening the dental workforce, and promoting community-based solutions, which can serve as models for international efforts.
Why It Matters
Global oral health collaboration offers immense benefits for U.S. dentists. Engaging with international health issues broadens your perspective and informs you about the latest treatment approaches and technologies that could address similar challenges in your communities and practices.
This perspective helps you better understand and address local patient needs, effectively bridging gaps in access to dental care. By stepping beyond your immediate view, you can ask key questions: What’s working? What isn’t? What results have been achieved elsewhere, and which international initiatives could be adapted for your community?
Reflection improves the care you provide and allows you to participate in the global fight for better oral health.
Author: With 14 years as a published journalist, editor, and writer, Genni Burkhart's career has spanned politics, healthcare, law, business finance, technology, and news. She resides in Northern Colorado, where she works as the editor-in-chief of the Incisor at DOCS Education.
References:
- McCauley, J.(2023, July 10). PRO-HEAL Act Introduced to Address Shortage of Healthcare Providers in Rural Areas. Congressional Budget Office. https://www.cbo.gov/publication/58888
- Corr, A.(2022, March 14). America’s Oral Health Is Improving Thanks to Better Prevention, Expanded Access to Care. Pew Charitable Trusts. https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2022/03/14/…
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). School sealant programs. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth
- World Health Organization. (2022). Global strategy on oral health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets
- American Dental Association. (2023). Action for dental health: A national campaign to improve access to dental care. https://www.ada.org/resources
