Published 2025-11-10
Keywords
- Oral health promotion; Community dentistry; Disease prevention; Dental professionals; Public health; Preventive care
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Background: Oral diseases remain among the most prevalent chronic conditions worldwide and constitute a significant public health challenge due to their high burden, preventable nature, and strong associations with non-communicable diseases. In recent years, the role of dental professionals has evolved beyond clinical and restorative care toward broader involvement in health promotion and disease prevention within community settings.
Objective: This narrative review aimed to examine and synthesize existing evidence on the role of dental professionals in community-based health promotion and disease prevention, with particular emphasis on preventive strategies, interprofessional collaboration, vulnerable populations, and policy implications.
Methods: A narrative review approach was adopted, drawing on peer-reviewed literature, international public health reports, and authoritative guidelines related to community dentistry, oral health promotion, and preventive care. Key themes were identified through thematic synthesis, focusing on professional roles, preventive interventions, collaborative models, and systemic challenges.
Results: The findings indicate that dental professionals contribute substantially to health promotion through oral health education, early disease detection, preventive clinical services, and participation in community outreach programs. Evidence supports the effectiveness of school-based initiatives, fluoride programs, and interprofessional collaboration in reducing oral disease burden and improving health equity. However, barriers such as limited preventive incentives, insufficient integration with public health systems, and workforce constraints continue to restrict the broader implementation of community-oriented dental care.
Conclusion: Dental professionals are essential contributors to community health promotion and disease prevention. Strengthening their role requires systemic integration of oral health into public health policies, enhanced preventive-focused education and training, and supportive health system reforms. Advancing community-based and prevention-oriented dental practice has the potential to improve population health outcomes, reduce inequalities, and support sustainable healthcare systems.