Dental Public Health Practice: Improving the Oral Health of California Communities

Abstract

Background: Dental public health (DPH) is a specialty of dentistry that serves the community as a patient rather than the individual. It requires broad knowledge and skills in preventing and controlling oral diseases, planning and administering programs, applied research, surveillance and evaluation, financing, and providing dental care. This article aims to outline DPH practice, emphasizing its role in improving the oral health of communities, and highlight professional training pathways in this field. Methods: We used the Ten Essential Public Health Services framework to illustrate DPH practice. The Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) provides guidance to state and local health programs for promoting oral health policies and programs at the population or community level. In addition, we presented the education and training pathways for becoming a DPH specialist and identified opportunities for all dental practitioners. Results: This paper outlines real-world examples how DPH practitioners have contributed to improving the oral health of Californians. The opportunities to practice both in the public health and private sectors and the collaboration with academia are highlighted. Examples throughout the paper such as the collaborative effort in San Francisco to address high tooth decay rates in children and its contribution to the statewide policy illustrate the opportunity for practicing dentists to improve community oral health and overall health with a DPH mind-set. Conclusions: Improving the oral health of Californians requires competent dental public health and clinical practitioners. It is essential to have robust education and training programs with a community focus that offers multiple pathways.