Oral health is a critical component of public health, yet it remains an area where significant disparities exist in the United States. Despite advancements in access to dental services, many individuals still encounter substantial barriers, including financial constraints, geographic limitations, and a lack of awareness about the importance of oral health. These challenges underscore the need for a more integrated approach to oral health within the broader public health framework. Recent studies have highlighted the profound impact of oral health on overall well-being, linking poor oral health to various systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there is a gap in effectively integrating oral health strategies into public health initiatives, which could potentially enhance health outcomes and reduce health disparities. Addressing these gaps requires innovative strategies that bridge the divide between medical and dental care, ensuring that oral health is recognized as a fundamental aspect of public health.

This research topic aims to spotlight oral health as a pivotal component of public health in the United States, examining how oral health interventions can enhance public health practices and outcomes. We intend to explore two main avenues: the integration of oral health into broader public health initiatives and the direct impact of improved oral health on overall health outcomes. By highlighting innovative strategies for medical-dental integration and quality improvement, this research topic will underscore the importance of oral health in achieving better public health indicators and eliminating health disparities.

To gather further insights into the integration of oral health into public health and its impact on reducing health disparities, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Integration of oral health with other public health initiatives, e.g., maternal health, and behavioral health.
- Impact of oral health improvements on school attendance, learning, and broader health outcomes.
- Strategies for eliminating health disparities through oral health interventions.
- Medical-dental integration and its role in enhancing public health.
- Data-driven approaches to oral health that contribute to quality improvement and better public health outcomes.
- Research exploring the intersection of oral health with various public health areas such as pregnancy and post-partum care, substance use disorders, rural health, behavioral health, and more.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Integrating Oral Health into Public Health: Bridging Gaps to Reduce Health Disparities in the US