Oral health literacy: at the intersection of K-12 education and public health.

Abstract

The link between a student's health and their ability to learn is well-established. Schools are the intersection of public health programs, dental care, and self-care. This position affords them a unique role and opportunity to enhance health literacy, including oral health literacy. This paper explores the potential of K-12 school programs and the dental profession to address oral health literacy, and, in so doing, provide future participants with essential skills to promote their oral health.