Public Health Careers: Addressing Access to Oral Health Care

Public Health Careers: Addressing Access to Oral Health Care

Access to oral health care is a significant public health issue, with disparities in access and utilization affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Public health careers play a crucial role in addressing this problem by promoting oral health, preventing oral diseases, and ensuring access to dental care for underserved populations. This essay will discuss public health careers as a means of addressing the problem of access to oral health care and identify and describe specific careers categorized by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s (ADHA) designated roles of the dental hygienist, highlighting the relation of public health to these roles.

Public health careers encompass a wide range of professions dedicated to improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities at the population level. These professionals work collaboratively with communities, healthcare providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to promote oral health and prevent oral diseases. They focus on various aspects such as education and awareness, policy development, community outreach, and research.

The ADHA’s designated roles of the dental hygienist provide a framework for understanding the specific contributions of dental hygienists in public health. The ADHA categorizes the roles into four areas: clinician, educator, researcher, and advocate.

Clinician: As clinicians, dental hygienists provide preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare services directly to patients. They perform dental cleanings, apply fluoride treatments, take X-rays, and conduct oral health assessments. In the context of public health, dental hygienists working in community clinics or mobile dental units ensure access to oral healthcare for underserved populations who may not have regular access to a dentist.

Educator: Dental hygienists also play a crucial role in oral health education by providing information on proper oral hygiene practices, disease prevention, and nutrition. They educate individuals and communities about the importance of oral health and its impact on overall well-being. By promoting healthy behaviors and preventive measures, dental hygienists contribute to reducing the incidence of oral diseases at the community level.

Researcher: The research role of dental hygienists involves conducting studies to advance knowledge in the field of oral health. They contribute to evidence-based practices by investigating new treatment modalities, evaluating preventive strategies, and identifying effective interventions. Research conducted by dental hygienists in public health settings helps inform policies and programs aimed at improving access to oral healthcare.

Advocate: Dental hygienists can advocate for policies and programs that promote oral health and improve access to care. They work with policymakers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and advocate for policies that support preventive measures and expand access to dental services. Dental hygienists’ advocacy efforts contribute to reducing oral health disparities and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need.

In conclusion, public health careers play a vital role in addressing the problem of access to oral health care. Dental hygienists, in particular, contribute significantly to public health through their designated roles as clinicians, educators, researchers, and advocates. By working in various settings and collaborating with different stakeholders, dental hygienists contribute to promoting oral health, preventing diseases, and ensuring access to care for underserved populations. Their efforts contribute to reducing oral health disparities and improving overall population health.

Reference: American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). (2021). Roles of the Dental Hygienist. Retrieved from https://www.adha.org/resources-docs/2016-Revised-HOD-Policy-Manual.pdf