Evidence-Based Oral HealthEducation and Promotion:Behavioral Interventions,Community Outreach, andPolicy Strategies inRestorative Dental Care
European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34(3s), 50–57
KeywordsOral Health Education, Restorative Dental Care, Oral Health Promotion, Tooth Loss, Dental Visits, Oral Health Disparities
AuthorsAbstractOral health remains a significant public health issue and there is a shift towards preventive and restorative dentistry. This study reviewed the oral health status of adults in the United States and the resulting disparities over a seven-year time period based on information from the National Oral Health Surveillance System. The 31,542 adult oral health records from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data collection were used in the secondary analysis of quantitative, descriptive and secondary data. The study looked at trends in adults' dental visits (aged 18 years and over) and trends in tooth loss indicators (aged 65 years or over). Comparisons were also made between the different groups based on the factors of income, education, race, gender and age. There were no significant differences between 2012-2020, older adults who were without teeth remained a burden on oral health. Dental visit prevalence was shown to be low and tooth loss prevalence high in lowincome and less-educated populations. Prevalence of dental visits was significantly different between low income and less educated groups, as was dental loss. Disparities in oral health outcomes were also observed based on race. These findings indicate that besides the improved oral health, its education, behavior change and community outreach and supportive policies on the community, will all be positive contributors that will help to cut down on the number of restorative dental services required. The prevention can be improved and dental services better accessed, which could help maintain oral health equity and quality of life over the long-term. 1. Introduction A vital component of general health and wellbeing is oral health, impacting nutrition, communication, appearance, quality of life and social interaction. Although preventive and restorative dental care has advanced significantly, oral diseases are still one of the more prevalent chronic diseases of the world. Millions of adults and older adults still suffer from dental caries and periodontal disease and experience tooth loss, especially among those from socioeconomically disadvantaged populations [1]. The World Health Organization estimates that oral diseases plague almost 3.5 billion people worldwide, and that the inequities in access to preventive and restorative oral health services continue to be a significant public health challenge [2]. Oral diseases can cause pain, infection, chewing difficulties, social embarrassment, poorer quality of life and higher health care expenses. Nowadays, the significance of dental health extends beyond the field of therapeutic care and entered the arena of public health, where preventive, educational, behavioral, and policy-based strategies are needed. Restorative dental care is an essential part of the management of oral disease following damage, but many restorative conditions are preventable when good oral health promotion and education is achieved. Preventive oral health measures such as regular dental care, oral hygiene education, fluoride, dietary counselling, and behaviour change strategies can have a major impact on the •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org- Published by Riset Publishing Services LLC.
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