World Oral Health Day: Integrating Oral Health into Primary Care for Global Health Equity

Oral health is fundamental to overall health, wellbeing and quality of life, yet oral diseases remain among the most prevalent and neglected health challenges worldwide. Dental caries, periodontal disease, oral cancers, edentulism and other oral conditions inflict a heavy burden, particularly on disadvantaged and marginalized populations with limited access to care. The traditional separation of dental and general healthcare services has further exacerbated health inequities, resulting in preventable pain, functional limitations, and increased risk of systemic diseases linked to oral health.World Oral Health Day, observed annually on March 20th, is an important platform to advocate for stronger links between oral health and primary care. Effective integration of oral health into primary care systems is essential for comprehensive, person-centered health services that address the full spectrum of patients’ needs—from prevention through early detection and timely referral. By prioritizing this integration, we can improve clinical outcomes, reduce health disparities, and enhance population health globally.In line with the mission of Frontiers in Medicine’s Primary Care section, this Research Topic invites submissions that advance the science, practice, and policy of oral health within primary care frameworks across diverse health systems and settings. We welcome original research, reviews, and case studies that explore both established and innovative approaches to strengthening the oral-systemic health connection in medical practice.Topics may include, but are not limited to:o Global, regional, and local studies on the epidemiology, burden, economic impact, and prevention of oral diseaseso Models of integrating oral health screening and prevention in primary care settingso Interprofessional education and collaborative practice between dental and medical professionalso Community-based, school-based, and public health strategies to reduce oral health disparities and improve accesso Policy, financing, and health-system initiatives that strengthen oral health equity through primary careo Novel tools and technologies for oral health assessment in primary careo Oral-systemic health relationships, including links between oral conditions and chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and other systemic disorderso Patient and caregiver education interventions on oral health in primary care Topic editors: Shanshan Zhang, Beibei Yuan, Chang Liu, Khim Hean Teoh Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79190/world-oral-health-day-integrating-oral-health-into-primary-care-for-global-health-equity