This expert consensus systematically reviews the current status and future directions of oral health culture in China, providing a clear theoretical framework for "oral health culture," including its conceptual definition, disciplinary perspective, and core values. It analyzes the current state and challenges of oral health culture. The consensus highlights that under the guidance of the "Healthy China" strategy, China's residents have experienced steady improvements in oral health literacy and access to healthcare services, yet still face challenges such as uneven regional development, an incomplete prevention and treatment system, and insufficient integration of oral health into daily cultural practices. Based on multidisciplinary expert discussions and the nominal group technique, the consensus proposes development goals, basic principles, implementation pathways, safeguard measures, and recommendations for oral health culture. First, establish a Chinese-style oral health culture system by integrating oral health culture into public health policies, primary healthcare services, and the national education system. Second, shift the focus from "treatment" to "prevention," strengthening whole-life-cycle oral health management, with particular attention to children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups. Third, leverage digital and new media technologies to innovate health communication formats, creating scientific, accessible, and positive oral health cultural products to foster a societal atmosphere of "caring for teeth." Fourth, incorporate oral health culture indicators into the evaluation systems for healthy cities and communities. The consensus emphasizes that the development of oral health culture is a crucial foundation for achieving universal oral health, requiring collaborative efforts from the government, professional institutions, media, schools, families, and the public.

PurposePeriodontitis is a common chronic disease associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Diagnosis typically relies on dental examinations and radiographs, which may be underutilised by individuals who avoid, delay, or lack dental care. This study evaluated the potential of routine blood biomarkers and demographic data for screening moderate-to-severe periodontitis.Methods and MaterialsData were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2012 adults aged ≥ 30 years (N = 3,338). Periodontal status was classified using CDC/AAP definitions. An XGBoost classifier was trained on 77 features spanning demographics, complete blood count, glycemic and hemo-globin markers, heavy metals, and additional biochemical assays. Model performance was assessed with Accuracy, Precision, Recall, and F1 score. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were used for interpretability. Subgroup analyses were conducted by age and gender.ResultsThe model achieved 61.1% Accuracy, 57.4% Precision, 94.6% Recall, and an F1 score of 71.5%. Performance was higher in males (F1 = 78.2) than in females (F1 = 63.9%). SHAP identified age, gender, blood cadmium, blood lead, and glycohaemoglobin (HbA1c) as top predictors.ConclusionRoutine blood biomarkers and demographics can be leveraged for non-dental screening of periodontitis, offering a feasible preventive strategy in primary care. The model achieved high recall, minimising false negatives, and identified biologically plausible predictors. This approach may help flag at-risk individuals, particularly in underserved populations, and support integration of oral health into general medical care.

Introduction:Poor oral health is a common, but overlooked, issue among people with serious mental ill-health who experience higher rates of dental caries and periodontal disease, leading to increased hospital admissions. Despite its preventability, oral health remains largely absent from Australian mental healthcare policy and service delivery.Methods:This two-phase study (1) systematically reviewed oral health integration within Australian oral and mental health policy and competitive funding mechanisms; and (2) qualitatively explored the experiences and prioritising of oral health care by individuals with serious mental ill-health, carers and healthcare professionals.Results:Findings indicated that oral health is rarely prioritised in mental health policy and that it receives only 0.22% of health research funding. Eighteen participants, including health practitioners and individuals with lived experience, were interviewed. Participants described oral health as being largely ignored, personal experiences of inadequate care, financial and psychological barriers to care and systemic neglect. Recommendations for change were identified, including a need for trauma-informed, holistic approaches to care that address social determinants and promote oral health within mental health services.Conclusion:Poor oral health significantly, and negatively, impacts both quality of life and hospital admissions for people with serious mental ill-health, yet remains overlooked in mental health care. Holistic, interdisciplinary approaches – integrating oral health into psychiatric assessments, education and policy – are essential. Early intervention, public health messaging, trauma-informed training and personalised care may improve outcomes. Co-produced interventions and equitable access to services are critical to reducing oral health disparities and enhancing well-being for individuals living with serious mental ill-health.

Perspectives on oral health integration into HIV care and research in low-resource settings: insights from patients and key stakeholders in Uganda.

Pregnancy brings about significant hormonal and immunological changes that have a profound impact on a woman’s oral health. These changes, particularly involving estrogen, progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and relaxin, can influence the vascular, immune, and microbial environments of the oral cavity, resulting in various clinical manifestations. This review explores the most common oral conditions associated with pregnancy, including pregnancy gingivitis, periodontitis, pyogenic granulomas (pregnancy tumors), xerostomia, enamel erosion, and dental caries. These conditions not only affect maternal quality of life but may also contribute to adverse obstetric outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. Emphasis is placed on the importance of accurate diagnosis, safe clinical practices, and the appropriate timing of dental care throughout pregnancy. The review also highlights the role of interprofessional collaboration between dental and obstetric care providers in delivering comprehensive prenatal health services. Preventive strategies, patient education, and behavior modification are identified as essential components of care. Additionally, the review outlines current gaps in policy, practice, and research, and calls for stronger integration of oral health into maternal care frameworks. By advancing interdisciplinary understanding and promoting evidence-based collaboration, oral healthcare can be effectively incorporated into routine prenatal care, leading to better outcomes for both mothers and their infants.

The global rise in population ageing challenges health systems, including oral health, which is integral to overall health and quality of life. Although the World Health Organization advocates integrated care for older adults, evidence on national models integrating oral health into broader health strategies remains limited. This review aimed to synthesise evidence on approaches that integrate oral health into general health national policy frameworks, focusing on older adults. A scoping review was conducted using electronic searches of government domains via Google and Google Advanced in English-speaking countries, supplemented by searches of the Analysis and Policy Observatory database. Inclusion criteria were based on Population: older adults; Context: national-level health policy frameworks; Concept: integration of oral health. Of the 2616 documents retrieved from 52 countries, 1964 were screened, and 28 documents with oral health incorporated were included. The focus areas of the included documents were palliative care, mental health, disease prevention, chronic diseases, nutrition, and healthy ageing. Across the 28 included documents, oral health was mentioned in the context of 24, with nine of these referring to it only in the policy context. Oral health appeared under an objective or strategy in five documents, as an activity in three, as an indicator in two, and as a recommendation in nine documents. Oral health stakeholder representation was limited. This review identified that the integration of oral health within broader national health policies targeting older adults remains largely superficial, underscoring the need for deeper and more meaningful integration and intersectoral collaboration.

To explore dental professionals' experiences of interprofessional collaboration between the public dental service (PDS) and home care services (HCS) in Norway, with a focus on how structural, legal, and professional factors influence access to preventive oral health care for HCS users. A qualitative design was applied, informed by phenomenological and hermeneutical approaches. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with dental professionals in PDS in Eastern Norway. Data were analyzed thematically using an inductive approach. Three main themes were identified: (1) Systemic and practical barriers, including fragmented administrative structures, outdated legislation, and lack of shared digital infrastructure; (2) Challenges in interprofessional collaboration, such as weak institutional anchoring, unclear role expectations, and low prioritization of oral health within HCS; (3) Prevention of oral disease, wherein participants emphasized the need for early intervention, continuity, and integration of oral health into daily care routines. Joint home visits and stable interprofessional relationships were highlighted as promising. Despite national strategies supporting integrated care, structural fragmentation and role ambiguity hinder effective collaboration. Strengthening interprofessional frameworks, updating legislation, and improving digital systems are needed to enhance access to preventive oral health care services. Oral health must be recognized as a shared responsibility across health services.

Background: Poor oral health severely affects quality of life, disproportionately impacting individuals with low socioeconomic status due to limited or partial dental coverage. In Barcelona, many people face barriers to dental care. In 2018, the Barcelona City Council launched a free dental service for economically disadvantaged populations to improve access to essential treatments. Objective: This study evaluates Barcelona's Social Dentistry Service regarding its scope, patient profiles, satisfaction, and perceived impact from professional and patient perspectives. Methods: We conducted a non-experimental, mixed-methods evaluation involving patients and dental professionals. Data were obtained through interviews with both groups, an online questionnaire for professionals, and analysis of service records from 2018 to 2022. Results: From November 2018 to December 2022, the service provided 39,557 visits to 4499 individuals (4344 adults; 155 children). Professionals strongly endorsed the service, stressing its necessity and positive impact. Patients reported high satisfaction, citing accessibility, effective treatments, and professional quality as strengths, while also expressing concerns about gaps in coverage and future availability. Both groups reported benefits beyond oral health, including improved physical and mental well-being, social relationships, and self-care. Patients highlighted pain relief, increased self-esteem, quality of life, and motivation for social participation. Conclusion: The Social Dentistry Service markedly improves patients' oral health, psychological well-being, and social integration. Universal dental coverage policies are needed; meanwhile, similar interventions should be sustained and expanded in areas lacking coverage.

IntroductionOral health is an important yet often neglected aspect of antenatal care. Despite evidence linking poor maternal oral health with adverse pregnancy outcomes, pregnant women underutilize dental services due to individual, cultural, and systemic barriers. This is the first systematic review using mixed-methods approach that synthesized quantitative and qualitative evidence on this topic.MethodsA mixed-methods systematic review was conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported per PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included those exploring barriers and facilitators to dental service utilization among pregnant women. Searches across six databases and grey literature sources were conducted. Quantitative data were qualitized and integrated with qualitative findings using JBI’s convergent integrated approach. Findings were reported based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use.FindingsThe review included 55 studies (37 quantitative, 17 qualitative, 1 mixed-methods) from 24 countries. Eight key themes based on Andersen’s Behavioral model emerged. Barriers included misconceptions, safety concerns, dental treatment fear, high costs, lack of insurance coverage, poor referral systems, limited provider training, competing priorities, and cultural taboos. Facilitators included higher education, employment, urban residence, and provider support.DiscussionThis is the first systematic review offering a comprehensive synthesis of the multifaceted barriers and facilitators shaping pregnant women’s decisions to seek oral care. It integrated global prevalence data from quantitative studies with the lived experiences of pregnant women through qualitative studies. Andersen’s model enabled structured interpretation of individual, contextual, and health-related determinants.RecommendationsIt is important to develop culturally sensitive and integrated strategies to enhance maternal oral health service utilization across diverse settings. Policies should mandate integration of oral health into antenatal care, expand dental insurance for pregnant women, and enhance interprofessional training. Further research should explore longitudinal patterns, develop validated tools, and address intersectional disparities in access.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42025642722.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13643-026-03151-8.

Integration of oral health within Universal Health Coverage (UHC) remains uneven across Europe, and comparative evidence linking statutory dental coverage and public financing with oral health outcomes is limited. This study assessed relationships between integration of essential oral health services within UHC and prevalence of untreated dental caries and self-reported unmet need for dental care across European countries. A cross-sectional ecological analysis was conducted using publicly available, country-level data for 34 WHO European Region countries (indicator years 2019–2023). Outcomes were untreated dental caries prevalence (≥5 years) and self-reported unmet dental need (≥16 years). Explanatory variables were public per capita dental expenditure (United States dollars), dentists per 10,000 population, statutory dental coverage model (comprehensive/partial = reference; limited = contrast), and public share of total dental spending (%). Descriptive statistics summarized health system indicators; 2 multiple linear regression models estimated associations. Across 34 countries, median unmet need was 1.58% (interquartile range 0.56–3.97%) and untreated caries 35.41% (interquartile range 31.61–38.15%). Health system inputs varied widely: median per capita dental expenditure = USD 97.8 (10–493.7); dentist density = 7.9 per 10,000 (1.1–17.7); public share = 32.8% (0.3–72.4). Model 1 (untreated caries): R2 = 0.371; F(4, 29) = 4.27; P = .008. Higher public per capita dental expenditure was associated with lower caries prevalence (B = −0.045; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.074 to −0.015; P = .004). Limited statutory coverage (vs comprehensive/partial) was associated with higher caries (B = 6.505; 95% CI: 2.526–10.483; P = .002). A higher public share of dental spending correlated positively with caries prevalence (B = 0.210; 95% CI: 0.095–0.326; P < .001). Dentist density showed no association (P = .705). Model 2 (unmet dental need): R2 = 0.370; F(4, 29) = 4.27; P = .007. Limited statutory coverage (vs comprehensive/partial) was associated with higher unmet need (B = 5.735; 95% CI: 2.396–9.075; P = .001). Other predictors were not significant (all P > .35). Broader statutory dental coverage was associated with lower unmet dental need, and greater public per capita dental expenditure with lower untreated caries prevalence. Workforce density alone was not predictive. Expanding prevention-oriented essential dental benefits and strengthening financial protection are central to achieving equitable oral health within UHC.

Objectives: This study aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively assess perceptions regarding accessibility, utilization, and quality of oral health services among underprivileged populations attending a public health centre in Delhi, India. Methods: An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. Focus group discussions were conducted among 12 participants using maximum-variation purposive sampling to explore lived experiences and barriers to care. Findings informed the development of a semi-structured questionnaire, which was translated, validated, and administered to 300 adults. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo 14, while quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v26 with chi-square testing following normality assessment. Results: Thematic analysis identified four major domains: structural barriers, educational limitations, financial burden, and perceived service quality. Questionnaire findings revealed that 82% of participants reported dental treatment costs as prohibitive, while 71% sought dental care only during pain episodes. A statistically significant association was observed between socioeconomic status and awareness of available dental services (p &lt; 0.05). Participants expressed strong interest in publicly funded dental care and integration of oral health within primary healthcare delivery. Conclusions: Oral health disparities persist due to intersecting cognitive, structural, and economic barriers. Addressing these inequities requires community-engaged strategies, improved service integration, and strengthened public health infrastructure.

FQHCs have a 60-year history of creating equitable pathways for underserved communities. The objective of this article is to provide an understanding of the role of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in improving oral health equity and access to oral health care for underserved populations by highlighting innovative approaches to dental care delivery models, workforce and quality initiatives. This article reviews national FQHC data, surveys of FQHC dental programs and findings from training and technical assistance programs aimed at supporting FQHCs in improving oral health equity and utilization of oral health services. FQHCs expand equitable access to oral health care through organizational characteristics that reduce barriers to care. Additionally, FQHCs further seek to increase oral health equity through innovation in oral health care delivery models, integration, quality, and workforce initiatives. The FQHC model can improve oral health access and equity for underserved populations.

Particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in India constitute a socioeconomically marginalized population, often residing in remote regions with limited access to basic health services, including oral healthcare. Despite their vulnerability, comprehensive data on their oral health status remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of oral diseases-particularly dental caries, periodontal conditions, and tobacco use-among PVTG populations in India. A thorough search was done across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and DOAJ to identify studies reporting oral health outcomes among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Study selection and methodological quality appraisal were performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for prevalence studies. Relevant data were extracted and pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Meta-regression, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses were undertaken to explore sources of heterogeneity and assess the robustness of pooled estimates. Twelve studies encompassing 7002 participants from diverse PVTG communities across India were included. The pooled prevalence of 6-8mm periodontal pockets was 17% (95% CI: 8%-29%), while loss of attachment ≥6mm was found in 27% (95% CI: 10%-50%). Smokeless tobacco use showed a high pooled prevalence of 39% (95% CI: 15%-66%). Poor oral hygiene, heavy calculus accumulation, and high caries burden were consistently reported. Substantial heterogeneity was noted across outcomes (I2>90%). PVTG populations experience a disproportionately high burden of oral diseases driven by poor oral hygiene, widespread tobacco use, and inadequate access to dental care. These findings underscore the urgent need for culturally sensitive, community-based oral health interventions and integration of dental services into tribal welfare and public health programs. PROSPERO number: CRD420251015301.

This study examines the integration of oral health into primary health care (PHC) within refugee health strategies of international organization for refugees and identifies opportunities to enhance oral health services by analyzing gaps and potential entry points into existing health strategies of major international organization for refugees. Seven organizations were identified through grey-literature web searches using the following eligibility criteria: the organization must (1) operate at global or multi-country level, (2) explicitly include refugees or other forcibly displaced populations in their mandate, and (3) have published at least one organization-level health strategy document in English. Organizations serving only a single region, religion, or narrowly defined sub-population were excluded to ensure comparability across international actors. The identification, screening, and inclusion of organizations—based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria—were documented in a modified PRISMA-style flow diagram to ensure transparency. Their relevant health frameworks, strategies, initiatives, or guidelines of the selected organizations were reviewed. After the final set of health strategies of these organizations was determined, a directed content analysis was conducted on their strategic documents using predefined criteria assessing references to PHC, oral health, refugee-specific content, workforce, and program implementation. Across the seven organizations identified, PHC for refugees was consistently highlighted as a strategic priority, yet oral health was almost entirely absent at the strategy level. Oral health appeared only in a small number of short-term, project-based or disease-specific initiatives led by three organizations and was not integrated into PHC benefit packages or long-term refugee health frameworks. Four strategic entry points were identified: (1) positioning oral health as a human right, (2) training the PHC workforce in basic oral health competencies, (3) mobilizing local resources and partnerships to ensure sustainable access to oral health services, and (4) prioritizing women’s and children’s oral health. Overall, oral health integration within refugee PHC frameworks remains limited, fragmented, and largely project-based, underscoring a missed opportunity to strengthen oral health within PHC. International organizations aiming to promote refugee health should strategically incorporate oral health into PHC services to advance health equity.

Background: Oral health is a key component of general health and quality of life in the elderly. Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are particularly vulnerable to poor oral health due to multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and dependence on caregivers. Despite increasing awareness of this issue, dental needs in institutionalized populations remain largely unmet. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the dental treatment needs of LTCF residents in Warsaw. The analysis focused on oral health status, oral hygiene practices, difficulties with food intake, and the need for assistance in daily oral and nutritional care. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 29 LTCF residents. Data collection included interviews on hygiene habits and dietary difficulties, followed by clinical examination assessing oral mucosa, dentition, prosthetic status, and plaque coverage (Plaque Index). Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism with Mann-Whitney U, Fisher's exact, and Spearman's rank correlation tests. Results: The median number of missing teeth ranged from 22 to 24. Active caries were found in 17 residents and periodontitis in 19. Oral hygiene was poor, with plaque covering up to 100.0% of tooth surfaces. Women had significantly more missing teeth than men (p = 0.0128). Difficulties with food intake were reported by 69.0% of residents. No significant associations were found between oral hygiene products use and dental or prosthetic status. Conclusions: This study revealed severely compromised oral health among LTCF residents. Extensive tooth loss, poor hygiene, and limited access to preventive dental care indicate the need for systematic, on-site oral health programs, caregiver training, and integration of dental services into standard geriatric care.

Oral health conditions are common yet highly preventable, and they disproportionately affect socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. This cross-sectional survey of 144 homeless and housing-insecure adults in central Massachusetts assessed oral health status, access to dental and primary care, and resource needs. Participants were far more likely to have a primary care provider than a regular dentist, and poor oral health was strongly associated with poor overall health. Respondents most frequently reported needing dentists who accept public insurance, basic dental supplies, and transportation to appointments. The findings highlight opportunities to improve oral health for people experiencing homelessness through better supply access, case management, and integration of oral health into primary care.

Background: Non-dental health practitioners in Australia, including general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals, encounter patients with oral health concerns. While well-positioned to provide early intervention, their capacity is affected by knowledge gaps, confidence, and systemic limitations. Objective: To map Australian non-dental health practitioners' oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices and identify barriers and enablers to integrating oral health into general healthcare. Methods: Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, five databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science) were searched for original studies published between 1 January 2014 and 16 July 2024. Results: Of 3225 records, 20 studies were included: nurses (n = 8), midwives (n = 5), pharmacists (n = 5), and general practitioners (n = 2). Data were synthesised using deductive thematic analysis and descriptive counts of oral health attitudes, knowledge, and practices. Attitudes towards oral health were generally positive, but engagement varied. Midwives and pharmacists demonstrated greater involvement following structured training, whereas general practitioners, aged care staff, and cystic fibrosis clinicians reported limited engagement due to insufficient education, time constraints, and unclear roles. Additional barriers included a lack of referral pathways and clinical guidelines. Enablers included interprofessional collaboration and oral health training. Conclusions: Non-dental health practitioners are well placed to promote oral health; however, integration remains inconsistent. Addressing educational and systemic barriers through targeted training, clear referral systems, and the inclusion of oral health in general and chronic disease guidelines could strengthen oral health integration and reduce inequalities in preventive care across Australian healthcare.

Dentistry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by advances in bioengineering that integrate artificial intelligence (AI), regenerative biology, digital manufacturing, salivary diagnostics, and extended reality (XR). Despite the rapid pace of innovation, global disparities in infrastructure, research capacity, and workforce distribution continue to limit the equitable adoption of these technologies. The emerging paradigm of Reverse Evidence-Based Dentistry (rEBD) provides a framework to link real-world clinical practice with scientific validation, strengthening translational pathways across diverse health systems. This narrative review analyzes the global intersection between dentistry and bioengineering, examining how innovations in AI-assisted diagnostics, biomaterials, regenerative platforms, wearable technologies, and XR-based education influence oral-systemic health, translational research, and the development of Dentistry 5.0. A secondary objective is to propose policy, educational, and research strategies that support equitable implementation across high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), in alignment with rEBD principles. The review draws on international oral health data, biomedical engineering literature, global innovation studies, and academic collaborations, integrating evidence on regenerative dentistry, digital ecosystems, AI-driven diagnostics, frugal innovation for low-resource settings, and open-access scientific infrastructures. The findings indicate that bioengineering is reshaping dental practice through intelligent diagnostic systems, bioactive and regenerative materials, soft robotic devices, and digital manufacturing workflows, while AI- and XR-enhanced education platforms improve access to high-quality training, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure. Regional clinical hubs in LMICs facilitate context-specific validation of emerging technologies and support frugal innovation pathways, although persistent inequities remain in digital infrastructure, AI dataset diversity, regulatory readiness, and the integration of oral health into broader non-communicable disease strategies. Overall, Dentistry 5.0 reflects the convergence of biological, digital, and intelligent systems to deliver personalized, preventive, and globally connected oral healthcare, and its equitable implementation will require coordinated strategies grounded in the rEBD framework to ensure scientific rigor and global relevance.

Tribal populations in India face significant oral health disparities due to geographic and socioeconomic isolation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive estimate of dental caries prevalence and severity (decayed, missing, and filled teeth [DMFT]) among Indian tribal communities. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus) were searched for studies published between January 2000 and March 2024 reporting the incidence of dental caries in Indian tribes. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Pooled prevalence and mean DMFT scores were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic, and publication bias was evaluated via Egger's test (PROSPERO: CRD42024538174). Twenty studies were included in the systematic review (N = 10,059). The overall pooled prevalence of dental caries was 44.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.9%-61.4%), with extremely high heterogeneity (I 2 = 99.77%). The prevalence was similar across adults (45.6%) and children (46.6%). The overall pooled DMFT index was 2.98 (95% CI: 2.61-3.35). Univariate meta-regression showed no significant association between prevalence and study year, location, or sample size (P > 0.05). Significant publication bias was detected (Egger's test, P = 0.001). Nearly half of the Indian tribal population is affected by dental caries, with severity comparable to that of other global Indigenous groups. However, the extreme heterogeneity and evidence of publication bias necessitate cautious interpretation. Integration of oral health into primary healthcare via the National Oral Health Programmer and Ayushman Bharat is recommended to address these disparities.

Background: Oral diseases significantly impact quality of life worldwide and remain a major public health challenge in India, where adult oral health, particularly among outreach populations, is under-assessed. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the oral health status of adults aged 35–44 years attending dental outreach programs in Visakhapatnam. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 500 adults aged 35–44 years attending 40 dental outreach camps from June to November 2022. Participants who provided informed consent and had no significant systemic illnesses were included through convenience sampling. Oral health assessments followed the World Health Organization (2013) criteria by a calibrated examiner (inter- and intraexaminer Kappa: 0.84, 0.81). Data were analyzed using SPSS v25 with descriptive statistics. Missing data were minimal and addressed by complete case analysis. Ethical approval was given by the Institutional Review Board. Results: Among participants, 64.4% were male and 95.4% reported using a toothbrush and toothpaste. The mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth index was 4.06 ± 3.23 (95% confidence interval: 3.75–4.37). Gingival bleeding was present in 88.4%, with 41.4% showing shallow periodontal pockets (4–5 mm). Most (87.6%) required prompt dental treatment, and 5% needed immediate care due to pain or infection. Conclusion: Oral health among adults in Visakhapatnam outreach programs is poor. Enhanced oral health education and integration with primary health care are necessary. Results should be interpreted considering the limitations of convenience sampling and the outreach setting, which may affect generalizability.