The conditions diagnosed
by Public Health Dentistry can be more accurately defined as a collective rather
than pinpointed to a handful of diseases. The workforce of public health
dentistry is comprised of dentists from each and every field. With such a wide
array of health promoting professionals involved in public health dentistry,
the goal of a public health
dentist is to focus on treating dental issues that involve communities and
population such as cities and states rather than treating individual patients.
Public Health Dentists work with the public by examining current oral health
trends and needs within a community to determine what areas need improvement,
developing new and effective oral health policies that can improve overall
dental health, implementing new and improving policies to ensure desired results
for dental health, and developing programs and services that improve oral
health issues (free or reduced cost dental clinics, educational programs etc.).
Some Concerns:
Worldwide, 60-90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults
have dental cavities.
Severe periodontal (gum) disease, which may result in tooth loss,
is found in 15-20% of middle aged (35-44 years) adult.
Globally, about 30% of people aged 65-74 have no natural teeth.
Oral disease in children and adults is higher among poor and
disadvantaged population groups.
Risk factors for oral diseases include an unhealthy diet, tobacco
use, harmful alcohol use and poor oral hygiene, and social determinants.
