Globally, oral diseases are highly prevalent and a major public health issue in populations. The cost of managing the morbidity associated with oral diseases is as high or higher than that of other major non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The Global Burden of Disease studies report that dental caries is the most prevalent non-communicable disease (NCD). Yet, oral diseases are generally neglected in major health policies or health advocacy documents, most likely due to low mortality associated with oral diseases, while ignoring the very high disease burden due to morbidity.
Health promoting, interdisciplinary and team approaches are emerging as effective methods to manage and prevent oral diseases, improve oral health outcomes and reduce health inequalities. In alignment with other non-communicable diseases common risk factor approaches are needed for more efficient disease prevention.
The aim of this virtual issue is to highlight those papers that describe health promoting interdisciplinary and professional team efforts to address various aspects of oral healthcare, including access, vulnerable groups and new models of service delivery. We hope this issue will encourage initiatives and research on the integration of non-dental professionals into oral health and putting the mouth back into the body.
Dr Bradley Christian and Dr Ron Knevel