Oral health as non-communicable diseases: why the mouth matters in public health
1
School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
2
Community Dentistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
3
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
4
Public Oral Health Forum, Johannesburg, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3011
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Although largely preventable, oral diseases affect approximately 3.7 billion people globally, causing chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and high costs to health systems and patients1. Some oral conditions, particularly periodontal disease, are early indicators of systemic NCDs, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes2. Dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancers are NCDs that share modifiable risk factors and social determinants with systemic NCDs, notably unhealthy diets, tobacco and alcohol use, and structural inequities1. Despite clear overlaps, oral and systemic NCDs are often addressed through siloed health programmes, resulting in duplicated efforts that undermine primary health care principles of equity, prevention, intersectoral collaboration, and comprehensive care. Integrating OH into NCD prevention and management improves access by embedding prevention, early identification, and referral within routine public health and primary care services, rather than relying on separate dental systems that remain inaccessible to many. The World Health Organization’s Global Oral Health Action Plan1 and the United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs, mandates the integration of OH into mainstream NCD prevention efforts3. Positioned within these mandates, this session advances OH integration as a public health imperative to reduce inequities and strengthen health systems.
METHODS:
The session will include an overview of the interrelationships between general and OH and existing strategies for integration within public health practice. Participants will then engage in facilitated small-group discussions to identify at least one feasible strategy for integrating OH into their public health work within the next year, and consider key challenges and enabling factors
RESULTS:
Participants will develop a clearer understanding of OH as integral to general health and identify practical approaches to strengthen integration within NCD prevention strategies. Conclusion. The session will conclude with proposals for how the public health community can integrate OH into NCD prevention to advance equity and population health.
Although largely preventable, oral diseases affect approximately 3.7 billion people globally, causing chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and high costs to health systems and patients1. Some oral conditions, particularly periodontal disease, are early indicators of systemic NCDs, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes2. Dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancers are NCDs that share modifiable risk factors and social determinants with systemic NCDs, notably unhealthy diets, tobacco and alcohol use, and structural inequities1. Despite clear overlaps, oral and systemic NCDs are often addressed through siloed health programmes, resulting in duplicated efforts that undermine primary health care principles of equity, prevention, intersectoral collaboration, and comprehensive care. Integrating OH into NCD prevention and management improves access by embedding prevention, early identification, and referral within routine public health and primary care services, rather than relying on separate dental systems that remain inaccessible to many. The World Health Organization’s Global Oral Health Action Plan1 and the United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs, mandates the integration of OH into mainstream NCD prevention efforts3. Positioned within these mandates, this session advances OH integration as a public health imperative to reduce inequities and strengthen health systems.
METHODS:
The session will include an overview of the interrelationships between general and OH and existing strategies for integration within public health practice. Participants will then engage in facilitated small-group discussions to identify at least one feasible strategy for integrating OH into their public health work within the next year, and consider key challenges and enabling factors
RESULTS:
Participants will develop a clearer understanding of OH as integral to general health and identify practical approaches to strengthen integration within NCD prevention strategies. Conclusion. The session will conclude with proposals for how the public health community can integrate OH into NCD prevention to advance equity and population health.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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