From clinical care to planetary well-being: Redefining the mandate of global oral health

The World Health Organization’s recent Pandemic Agreement represents a key opportunity for oral health to take its rightful place within global health security frameworks. While the agreement does not directly address dentistry, its provisions on surveillance, infection control, essential health service continuity, and workforce protection have clear implications for dentistry.^[1] The COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant vulnerabilities in oral health systems, with widespread clinic closures, disrupted supply chains, and exclusion of dental professionals from emergency response efforts. This situation underscored the essential role that oral health services play in managing pain, preventing infections, and addressing trauma. As such, dentistry must now align its practices and policies with the broader global health goals articulated in the agreement.^[2]

To move forward, the dental profession must strengthen infection control measures, update regulations on ventilation, sterilization, and protective equipment, and integrate oral health into digital systems. Dental materials and supplies should be included in national stockpiling to ensure availability during emergencies. Additionally, dental professionals must be included in workforce protection protocols, receiving the same support as other health workers. These steps will help sustain oral health services during future crises.^[2] Another pressing issue is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Dentistry contributes significantly through the overuse of antibiotics in oral care. National strategies must include dental stewardship programs, promote responsible antibiotic use, and improve access to non-antibiotic treatments.^[3]

Oral health professionals should focus on prevention, as oral diseases are widespread yet preventable. Expanding preventive services and including them in universal health coverage will maintain access during crises and strengthen global health resilience. The dental profession must lead by integrating oral health into global health policies to ensure sustainable services worldwide.