Reclaiming oral health as a pillar of general health – A 2023–2025 perspective

Over the past years, the global oral health landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation. Research and policy from 2023 to 2025 have made it abundantly clear: Oral health is not a separate discipline but a foundational element of general health and well-being. Yet, despite growing scientific consensus, oral health often remains on the periphery of health policy and practice. It is time to place oral health back at the heart of our collective health agenda.^[1,2]

Recent initiatives have highlighted the power of community engagement in overcoming persistent oral health disparities. Modeled oral health programs have demonstrated that culturally tailored, community-led interventions can significantly improve oral health outcomes, particularly among children and marginalized populations.^[3] These efforts underscore a crucial lesson: Sustainable progress begins at the community level, with solutions designed by and for the people they serve.

A major theme in the literature of 2023–2025 is the integration of oral health into primary care frameworks. Systematic reviews and policy statements from the World Health Organization and the Foreign Direct Investment World Dental Federation advocate for breaking down the barriers between dental and general health services. Interprofessional education, collaborative practice models, and shared referral systems are no longer aspirational – they are increasingly being adopted as best practices, with early evidence pointing to improved access, affordability, and patient outcomes.^[1,2,4]

Perhaps the most significant conceptual shift of 2023–2025 is the embrace of a whole-of-society approach.^[1,2] Oral health is now recognized as inseparable from broader public health, requiring coordinated action across sectors – from healthcare and education to industry and government.

The global movement toward universal health coverage (UHC) has gained momentum, with oral health now recognized as an essential component of UHC packages in several countries. The call to action is clear: Governments, civil society, and the private sector must work together to ensure that oral health is included in national health strategies. This shift is not only a matter of equity but also of economic prudence, as untreated oral diseases continue to take a heavy toll on productivity and healthcare systems worldwide.^[2] Perhaps, the upcoming political declaration for the UN high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases and mental health will reflect on oral health in a better light.

The outcome of the latest research is unequivocal: Oral health must be reclaimed as a pillar of general health.^[4,5] This will require sustained advocacy, policy innovation, and a commitment to equity at every level of society.

As we look to the future, the Journal of Global Oral Health calls on clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and communities to work together in realizing this vision – ensuring that oral health is not an afterthought, but a fundamental right for all.