Challenges in dental public health – An overview
- Author:
Allan Kah-Heng Pau
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
dental public health, oral epidemiology, oral health promotion
- From:International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education
2012;6(supp1):S106-S112
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Oral health diseases are common in all
regions of the world and their impact on anatomical
and social functioning is widely acknowledged.
Their distributions are unequal between and within
countries, with the greatest burden falling on
disadvantaged and socially marginalized populations.
The risk factors and social determinants for oral diseases
have been comprehensively documented, and the
evidence base for their prevention is growing. However,
decisions on health care are still often made without
a solid grounding in research evidence. Translation of
research into policy and practice should be a priority for
all. Both community and individual interventions need
tailoring to achieve a more equal and person-centered
preventive focus and reduce any social gradient in health.
The major challenges of the future will be to translate
knowledge and experiences in oral disease prevention
and health promotion into action programmes.
The international oral health research community needs
to engage further in research capacity building and in
strengthening the work so that research is recognized as
the foundation of oral health policy at global level.
- Full text:W020150928559055295840.pdf
