Advancing Oral Health Systems: Global Case Studies in Policy, Technology, and Access

The field of oral health is evolving rapidly, with significant global efforts to integrate it into universal health coverage and the broader public health framework. Key policies, such as the World Health Organization’s 2021 Global Strategy on Oral Health and the 2023 WHO Global Oral Health Status Report, underline the need for effective oral health systems as part of comprehensive health strategies. Across the globe, nations are reevaluating delivery models, integrating oral health with primary healthcare, and actively addressing notable disparities. Countries like Brazil and Thailand have made significant advancements, showcasing the positive impacts of inclusive health policies. Simultaneously, technological innovations like tele-dentistry, AI, and digital health platforms are reshaping oral health care, promising enhanced accessibility and efficacy. However, introducing these advancements continues to pose challenges, particularly within resource-constrained settings.

This Research Topic aims to examine the evolving dynamics within global oral health systems. The focus ranges from innovative policy exploration to the incorporation of advanced technologies. Critical questions include assessing the effectiveness of current policies, evaluating the role of AI and tele-dentistry in improving care, and understanding the intersection of oral health with broader health determinants and systems. The aim is to foster a robust discourse on scalable solutions that promise equitable, sustainable, and resilient oral health systems worldwide.

To gather further insights into global oral health advancements, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Innovative policies and governance: Evaluations and future directions of oral health policies, integration within universal health coverage, and workforce development frameworks.

• Technological breakthroughs: The role and impact of tele-dentistry, AI, digital health records, and mobile health interventions in advancing oral health.

• Equity and social determinants: Strategies for bridging care gaps in underserved populations and connecting oral health with broader public health agendas.

• Financing and sustainability: Analyzing oral health financing reforms, insurance models, and innovations for long-term system sustainability.

• Patient-centered & culturally competent care: Incorporating patient-reported outcomes and culturally responsive models in service design and delivery.

• Resilience & system preparedness: Identifying lessons from global disruptions for building future-ready oral health systems.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: global oral health, oral health policy, tele-dentistry advancements, AI in dentistry, health equity, oral health systems, healthcare innovations, oral disease prevention

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.