HJAR Nov/Dec 2021

56 NOV / DEC 2021 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS ORAL HEALTH DIALOGUE COLUMN ORAL HEALTH THIS resolution directs WHO in drafting a global strategy for oral disease inclusion by 2022, with hopes to incorporate it into an action plan for oral disease intervention best practices. Now that this resolution has been formally approved, there is much work to be done. Addressing factors that escalate the risk of oral disease that other noncommunicable diseases have in common — such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease — is key. The di- rection that WHO envisions is for a more preventive versus curative approach. Hav- ing primary healthcare settings identify the need for oral healthcare earlier will prevent larger oral health issues in the future and will also help prevent overall general health issues from progressing. These types of The most prevalent chronic disease world- wide in both children and adults is tooth de- cay. 3 According to the World Dental Federa- tion, it is estimated that more than 3.5 billion people suffer from oral diseases. 4 Dental car- ies has greatly decreased in the U.S. over the past four decades, but oral disease disparities remain among some population groups. 3 While it is preventable with the correct measures in place, oral disease affects eco- nomically and socially disadvantaged popu- lations disproportionally. The noncommu- nicable diseases specifically linked to oral diseases include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, pneumonia, obesity and premature birth. To achieve greater equity, we must work to improve all the various dimensions of oral noncommunicable diseases and conditions place a huge economic load on our health- care systems and our work force. 1 It’s no revelation that noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of morbid- ity and mortality. 2 These types of diseases remain a huge challenge for navigating the necessary treatment development currently and in the future. Research on these types of diseases is useful because it aids in policy change and guides our direction to obtain better and more positive outcomes. More than any other time, the association of oral health affecting overall health is abun- dantly clear in the evidence provided. Oral healthmust be included in risk factor surveil- lance and collection of data to enhance and support our health systems. Acceptance within the healthcare community of the link between oral health and overall health has taken a giant leap forward. The World Health Organization (WHO) approved a landmark resolution, which places preventive oral care higher on the agenda in healthcare systems and makes it an essential element of universal health coverage. 1 World Health Organization Declares Oral Health a Global Health Priority