Abstract
ABSTRACT Definitions can generate actionable consensus for a given subject matter by resolving important differences in philosophy and best practices and by streamlining activities for a stronger strategic direction. Interest in the global dimensions of oral health, a generally neglected area of global health, is growing; yet, no previously published research has defined the term ‘global oral health.’ As such, the Global Oral Health Interest Group of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health determined a need for an introductory definition of ‘global oral health’ to guide program planning, implementation, and evaluation. With the oversight of an expert senior Task Force for the Definition of Global Oral Health, we employed a mixed-methods approach using the more common expert consensus-building Delphi technique combined with the lesser utilized Q methodology. This approach allowed us to identify the interconnectedness of global oral health themes and integrate multiple, seemingly disparate, topics into a single streamlined concept. Our resulting definition is as follows: Global Oral Health aims for optimal oral health for all people and elimination of global health inequities through health promotion, disease prevention, and appropriate oral care approaches that consider common determinants and solutions and acknowledge oral health as part of overall health. The purpose of this short communication is to generate a narrative around our proposed definition of global oral health to support establishing guidelines and developing best practices for academic global oral health programs, policies, and practices that aim to achieve a goal of oral health globally.
Highlights
Definitions are common in order to generate actionable consensus for a given subject matter
Our resulting definition is as follows: Global Oral Health aims for optimal oral health for all people and elimination of global health inequities through health promotion, disease prevention, and appropriate oral care approaches that consider common determinants and solutions and acknowledge oral health as part of overall health
With respondent validation through open-ended com ments from the surveys and final discussion with the Task Force, the recommended definition of ‘global oral health’ from this expert consensus approach is as follows: Global Oral Health aims for optimal oral health for all people and elimination of global health inequities through health promotion, disease prevention, and appropriate oral care approaches that consider common determinants and solutions and acknowledge oral health as part of overall health
Summary
Definitions are common in order to generate actionable consensus for a given subject matter. They identify and resolve important differences in philosophy, best prac tices, and action in order to streamline efforts and deter mine strategic direction [1,2,3]. FDI World Dental Federation published a new definition of ‘oral health’ in 2016, and different than the World Health Organization definition [4]. FDI determined that in order to measure oral health, a common definition must first be established to bring stakeholders together, define best practices, and deter mine priority-setting strategies for achieving it [2]. No previously published research has defined global oral health; the term ‘global oral health’ is used differently by different professional communities. The Global Oral Health Interest Group (GOHIG) [10] of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) [11] determined a need, as CONTACT Brittany Seymour Boston, MA, 02115, USA
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
