Abstract
Oral and dental professionals play an important role in tackling the global burden of oral disease, contributing to health and well-being. They diagnose and manage oral disease and promote oral health. This article explores the historical development of these professionals and their roles; dentistry's interdependent relationship with general health care, the state, science and technology, patients, and the public; and the potential for collaborative action. Future public health challenges include addressing local and global inequalities in access to affordable health care, developing an appropriate skill mix of the dental team, and ensuring greater emphasis on prevention as part of quality care.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | International Encyclopedia of Public Health |
| Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
| Pages | 95-105 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128037089 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780128036785 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 6 Oct 2016 |
Keywords
- Access
- Auxiliary
- Dental care professional
- Dental hygienist
- Dental nurse
- Dental public health
- Dental team
- Dental technician
- Dental therapist
- Dentist
- Ethics
- History
- Human resources
- Oral health
- Quality
- Specialization
