Interprofessional service-learning (IPSL) combines community-based experiential learning with interprofessional education (IPE), fostering collaborative competencies and civic responsibility among students. Despite growing interest, the integration of service-learning and IPE in undergraduate dental curricula remains underexplored. This scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework and refined by Levac et al., adhering to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Several electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and EMBASE) were searched from 1960 to March 2025 using a combination of controlled vocabulary and free-text terms. Manual searching of reference lists and grey literature through Google Scholar and institutional repositories supplemented the database searches. Screening and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis was used to analyse and categorise the findings qualitatively. From 1422 records, 11 eligible studies published between 2015 and 2023 were included. Most studies were conducted in the United States, with one from Canada. IPSL interventions occurred in diverse settings, including refugee shelters, rural clinics, prisons, and global health contexts. Dental students engaged with disciplines such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, social work, law and others. Key themes included 'Implementation Contexts and Interprofessional Partnerships', 'Oral Health Promotion and Prevention', 'Oral Health Literacy Outcomes', 'Reflective Learning', and 'Student Perceptions and Attitudes'. IPSL is an impactful educational strategy for dental students, promoting both clinical and interprofessional development. Future programmes should include structured preparatory training and longitudinal assessment to sustain learning outcomes and enhance the reach of IPSL globally.

Aims To explore teachers' perspectives on incorporating oral health education within schools, since its statutory introduction in the National Curriculum in England in 2020.Methods An online survey including open and closed questions was designed and distributed via postal invitations to selected schools in North West England, and via social media between September 2024 and January 2025. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while directed content analysis was used for free-text responses.Results Fifty-four responses were received. Oral health education was reported as inconsistent with different methods and frequencies of delivery reported; 21% (n = 11) teachers taught the topic less than once a year. Challenges included lack of curriculum time (44%, n = 23), and resources to help deliver (27%, n = 14) or plan the teaching (19%, n = 10). Most teachers (93%, n = 50) expressed confidence in their oral health knowledge, but free-text responses highlighted that teachers valued dental professionals' involvement with schools, and parental engagement to reinforce oral health at home.Conclusions Oral health education in schools remains inconsistent despite statutory requirements. Sustainable resources and multi-agency partnerships can help embed oral health promotion within a whole-school framework.

Childhood oral health represents a significant global public health concern shaped by biological, behavioral, and social determinants. Dental diseases, particularly dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontal conditions, remain among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide and are strongly associated with lifestyle factors, health literacy, socioeconomic status, and access to preventive services. This theoretical review aims to introduce the conceptual framework of dental sociology and highlight the importance of integrating social and behavioral perspectives into childhood oral health promotion. Drawing on national and international literature, the paper examines how preventive interventions implemented during early childhood at both individual and community levels can contribute to reducing the prevalence of oral diseases and addressing health inequalities. Special emphasis is placed on the role of multidisciplinary collaboration, systematic monitoring, and evidence-based preventive strategies in fostering sustainable health behaviors. Oral hygiene habits established during childhood may significantly influence long-term interactions with the healthcare system, ultimately affecting oral health outcomes, quality of life, and broader population health indicators across the lifespan. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(25): 986-990.

Parental factors influencing children's oral health in Saudi Arabia: a narrative review.

HighlightsWhat are the main findings?High prevalence of dental caries was observed among preschool children in Balsas, Maranhão.Public water supply showed low fluoride concentrations, characterizing hypofluoridation.What are the implications of the main findings?The results highlight the need to strengthen oral health promotion and preventive strategies in early childhood.Public policies ensuring adequate water fluoridation are essential to reduce the burden of dental caries.Introduction/Objectives: Dental caries is a significant public health burden in Brazil, with regional disparities deeply affecting children in the North and Northeast. This study assessed the prevalence and severity of dental caries in preschool children from Balsas (MA) and investigated its association with fluoride concentrations in the public water supply. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 256 children (aged 3–5 years) enrolled in municipal schools. Schools were selected using a stratified sampling strategy based on the water network, with exposure validated via chemical analysis. Calibrated dentists performed examinations using the FOA-UNESP risk scale, assessing biofilm and gingivitis as objective clinical proxies for hygiene. Fluoride levels were analyzed using an ion-selective electrode. Statistical analysis included Fisher’s exact test, Kruskal–Wallis, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA). Results: Caries prevalence was 60.16%, with 41.8% of children in severe risk categories (F: 27.0%; G: 14.8%). Water analysis revealed universal hypofluoridation (0.02–0.34 µg F/mL). A significant association was found between residual fluoride (0.02 µg F/mL) and greater caries severity (p = 0.04). Poor hygiene markers (biofilm and gingivitis) were significantly associated with a higher number of decayed teeth (p < 0.05). MCA identified a cluster linking residual fluoridation to severe clinical conditions and social vulnerability. Conclusions: High caries prevalence associated with inadequate fluoridation highlights critical regional health inequalities in Balsas. These findings underscore the urgent need for policies ensuring universal water fluoridation and strengthening school-based preventive strategies to mitigate the impact of social determinants on child development.

Oral conditions are major global public health issue. This study aimed to systematically analyze the incidence of and years lived with disability due to oral disorders by age, sex, and region in Eastern Sub-Saharan African (ESSA) region, from 1990 to 2023 using data, methods, and procedures of the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2023 study. The Bayesian meta-regression tool for disease modeling (DisMod-MR 2.1) was used to quantify the incidence and years lived with disability. In 2023, there were an estimated 239.3 million (95% UI: 209.1, 270.6) new cases of oral disorders with an age standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 45,553 per 100,000 persons (95% UI: 40360, 51457). In the ESSA, oral disorders accounted for 713,803 years lived with disability (YLD) in 2023. The age-standardized YLDs rate for both sexes associated with oral disorders was 265 in 1990 and 220 years per 100,000 population (95% UI: 124, 350) in 2023 corresponding to annualized rate of change of -17% (-25.2%, -8.5%). In the region, there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence and YLD rates by sex and country. The age-sex distribution of the incidence rate of oral disorders was higher among 5-9 years children of both sexes compared to the other age groups, where the rate decreased as age increased among both sexes. However, the age-sex distribution of the YLDs rate of oral disorders was higher among 95+ years of both sexes compared to the other age groups, where the rate increased as age increased among both sexes. There was slight decline in the trend of age-standardized incidence rate in the region. Except in Kenya, there was also a slight and statistically significant decline in the trends of the age-standardized YLDs rates from 1990 to 2023. In all countries, the leading cause of age-standardized incidence rate was caries of permanent teeth. From 1990 to 2023, despite the incidence and YLD rates of oral disorders have slightly decreased in the ESSA, it is considered still a public health challenge. Strengthening the oral health promotion policy and context specific public health interventions need to be considered to mitigate oral health disparities.

Dental caries are preventable yet remain one of the most common chronic diseases [1]. Untreated dental disease negatively impacts quality of life and results in pain, leading to school absence and malnourishment [2]. The American Dental Association advocates the first dental visit by age one, followed by biannual visits [2]. Unfortunately, data reveals 3.6% of 1-year-old infants have an established dental home [3], highlighting a paucity in crucial oral health guidance. Topical fluoride application, particularly fluoride varnish, is shown to be effective in caries prevention; clinical trials have reported a 70% caries risk reduction [4]. State Medicaid programs have reimbursed in-office fluoride varnish applications since 2017 [5], yet states vary in utility of this intervention. Sixteen states report < 2% of eligible Medicaid-enrollees received fluoride varnish in a non-dental setting, whereas only three states reported ≥ 20% of eligible Medicaid-enrollees receiving fluoride varnish [5]. Primary care providers (PCPs) see 88.8% of infants and 1-year-olds annually [3] and can effectively bridge this gap. Equipping PCPs with fluoride varnish application skills, knowledge of diet, and oral hygiene counseling empowers oral health promotion. Grant funding by nccPA Health Foundation and Arizona Delta Dental supported the unique, interprofessional opportunity, with physician assistant (PA) faculty, dental faculty, and students, to address this gap through hands-on oral health training of PA students. This innovative program included an interactive 90-min didactic session highlighting: the impact of oral health on systemic health, caries disease progression, and the preventative benefits of topical fluoride. Dental students and faculty taught fluoride varnish application skills, while also highlighting the importance of nutrition and culture with a focus on oral health from an equity lens. Students were given university cafe credits to gain awareness of the potential challenges of purchasing anticariogenic foods, with attention to cultural sensitivity, cost, and access. Students engaged in community outreach, assembling hundreds of oral health products, including patient education resources. Items were utilized for service-learning activities while caring for patients experiencing homelessness. The workshop effectively emphasized the importance of PCPs prioritizing preventative health, healthy eating, and health equity. PA students were invited to complete a survey focused on the relevance of this activity to primary care PA practice. The response rate was 84% (79/94) and demonstrated 100% of survey participants strongly agreed or agreed that the training taught skills relevant for a primary care PA (Table 1). In addition to skill training, this workshop demonstrated the critical implications of oral health within primary care practice, the benefits of interprofessional collaboration, and the value of gaining hands-on, practical knowledge through an interactive interdisciplinary experience. PAs and other PCPs play an integral role in oral health promotion. What went well included the students’ receptivity to learning with and from one another, the appreciation of collaboration, along with the increased awareness of nutrition and anticariogenic properties of food. One area for improvement would be to avoid scheduling fluoride varnish application immediately prior to the lunch hour. Lessons learned include the students’ appreciation of hands-on, relevant, and engaging activities. Early exposure to interprofessional teamwork facilitates greater awareness of the importance of working together to support equity and community health. The authors thank nccPA Health Foundation and Arizona Delta Dental for providing funding for this project. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

To explore the perceptions and practices of women in peri/menopause towards oral healthcare in Australia. Hormonal changes associated with peri/menopause create a period where women may be more prone to developing oral health problems, which can significantly impact their quality of life. While healthcare providers are capable of addressing women's oral health needs across various life stages, limited evidence exists on the management of oral health by women in peri/menopause and the role of non-dental healthcare providers in promoting oral health. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian women in peri/menopause using maximum variation and snowball sampling. A hybrid thematic analysis was used to construct themes and subthemes. Women who self-identified as being in peri/menopause with an age range of 43-59 years and residing across different Australian states participated in the study. Dry mouth was the most commonly reported oral health issue by participants, followed by tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, gum problems, and bad breath. Participants reported that these oral health problems impacted their mental health, lifestyle, and dietary choices. Barriers such as cost, lack of awareness of the impact of peri/menopause on oral health, systemic illness, carer responsibilities, and limited support from healthcare providers, including dentists, restricted participants in accessing oral healthcare. Women suggested that raising awareness, providing cost-effective dental services, and oral health promotion through their health care providers are needed to overcome the oral health challenges women face in peri/menopause. Women undergoing peri/menopause may experience greater susceptibility to oral health problems and encounter a range of challenges in managing their oral healthcare. These findings underscore the need for clinically informed, patient-centred strategies, including proactive screening, tailored preventive guidance, and improved access to care to support oral health during this transitional stage.

Caries in primary teeth and caries in permanent teeth: association and effect modifiers.

Early childhood exposure to cariogenic foods and drinks is a key modifiable risk factor for early childhood caries, yet national-level surveillance of dietary risk in children under two years remains limited in Kenya. This study assessed the prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with cariogenic diet exposure among young children in Kenya.We analyzed nationally representative data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. A total of 7,459 children aged below two years were included in the analysis. Cariogenic diet exposure was defined as consumption of any sugar-containing foods or drinks in the previous day or night. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated overall and by age group. Bivariate analyses assessed associations with child, maternal, household, and feeding characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted using a hierarchical stepwise approach to identify factors associated with exposure.Overall, 21% of children under two years were exposed to a cariogenic diet. Exposure increased markedly with age, from 3.3% among infants < 6 months to 20.2% among those aged 6 to 11 months and 31.2% among children aged 12 to 23 months. The most consumed cariogenic items were sweetened tea or coffee, sweetened milk, and fried or sugary snacks. In the fully adjusted model, older child age was the strongest predictor of cariogenic diet exposure (12-23 months vs. < 6 months: OR = 27.96; 95% CI: 19.44-40.23). Compared with no maternal education, primary (OR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.30-2.53) and secondary (OR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.01-2.20) education were associated with higher odds of exposure. Children in the richest wealth bracket had two times higher odds of exposure compared with those in the poorest bracket (OR = 2.00; 95% CI 1.26-3.18), while continued breastfeeding was protective (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.43-0.75).One in five Kenyan children under two years old is exposed to a cariogenic diet. Early introduction of sugar-containing foods and drinks highlights missed opportunities for prevention during complementary feeding. Integrating oral-health promotion and sugar-avoidance messaging into existing maternal, child health, and nutrition services could strengthen early childhood caries prevention and support Kenya's national oral health goals. In addition, regulating the marketing and availability of sugar-rich foods can help create healthier food environments for young children.

External validation of a mHealth tool for detecting gingival inflammation in community-dwelling older adults.

Purpose Preventive dentistry prioritizes oral health promotion (OHP), the practice of actively teaching children and their caregivers about proper oral hygiene habits. The purpose of this study was to examine the oral health curriculum, clinical experiences, and OHP; the role of these experiences on current clinical practice and the perceptions of importance and confidence in providing pediatric care among dental hygienists recently licensed in the state of Utah.Methods Dental hygienists licensed in the state of Utah between 2022 and 2024 were invited to participate in a 20-item electronic survey about educational experiences and current clinical practices related to pediatric OHP. The survey included curriculum characteristics, the number and age of pediatric patients treated, confidence in treating age groups 1-6 and 7-12 upon graduation, the importance placed on 12 individual OHP topics, and whether previous education translated to clinical practice. Relationships among variables were assessed by statistical analyses.Results One-hundred dental hygienists accepted the invitation to participate for a 16.1% response rate. Most (86%) held a bachelor's degree. Educational experiences were significantly correlated with the importance of providing pediatric OHP in clinical practice (p<0.01). Seven out of the twelve individual topics also showed significant correlations between education received and perceived importance (p<0.03). While most (55%) felt very confident treating 7-12-year-olds, only 34% were very confident treating patients aged 1-6 years. Confidence levels were associated with the number of patients treated during dental hygiene education, with patients aged 7-12 years statistically significant (p<0.01).Conclusions Adequate educational experiences on all OHP topics as well as pediatric clinical encounters need to be ensured within dental hygiene curricula so that all graduates perceive the importance of oral health promotion when providing pediatric care and have the confidence to care for patients aged 1-12 years.

Objectives Food is taken in through the mouth, making the development and maintenance of oral function essential for promoting Shokuiku (food and nutrition education). However, the nationwide status of oral health promotion within Shokuiku has remained unclear. Therefore, we surveyed local governments throughout Japan. This paper examines the status of planning for oral health and Shokuiku in local governments and evaluates the interrelationship of their goals.Methods The survey targeted oral health and Shokuiku departments in prefectures and municipalities across Japan. An email containing a Microsoft Excel survey form was sent to both departments. Oral health departments were asked about oral health promotion plans, and Shokuiku departments were asked about Shokuiku promotion plans. Survey items included the existence of these plans, the presence of nutrition- and Shokuiku-related goals in the oral health promotion plan, and the inclusion of oral health-related goals in the Shokuiku promotion plan. A descriptive statistical analysis assessed the status of plan formulation and interrelated goal setting. Differences by population size and prefecture were also examined for municipalities.Results The response rate was 93.6% for oral health departments and 95.7% for Shokuiku departments at the prefectural level. At the municipal level, response rates were 57.8% and 54.5%, respectively. All prefectures had established oral health promotion plans and Shokuiku promotion plans. At the municipal level, 79.4% had oral promotion plans and 92.4% had Shokuiku promotion plans. Goals related to Shokuiku and nutrition were included in 36.4% of prefectural oral health promotion plans and 47.1% of municipal plans. Meanwhile, oral health-related goals were included in 46.7% of prefectural Shokuiku promotion plans and 39.6% of municipal plans. Regarding municipal population size, both cooperation and plan formulation rates decreased as population decreased. Significant regional differences were also observed when comparing municipal survey item across prefectures.Conclusion A proportion of local governments incorporated goals addressing both oral health and Shokuiku in their respective promotion plans, although notable regional differences persisted. These findings may contribute to future efforts to promote oral health and Shokuiku.

BackgroundAccess to oral health promotion for older adults is globally limited, especially in rural, low- and middle-income settings. Digital research often lacks theoretical foundation and focuses primarily on younger cohorts, yielding few randomized trials evaluating accessible tools for oral health education in older adults.ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a telehealth reinforcement strategy for oral health promotion to improve knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy in community-dwelling older adults.MethodsA single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted in 4 municipalities (2 urban and 2 rural) in La Araucanía, Chile. Eligible participants were functionally independent adults aged ≥60 years with smartphone and internet access; those with cognitive impairment, complete edentulism, or inability to use WhatsApp were excluded. Participants were recruited from regional databases and assessed using the Geriatric Dental Specialties Tele-platform, a teledentistry tool for older adults. Participants were randomized (1:1) to face-to-face instruction (comparator) or the same instruction plus 2 weeks of social cognitive theory–informed telehealth reinforcement (4 validated videos via WhatsApp). Clinicians and statistical advisors were blinded. Primary outcomes (oral health knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy) were measured via telephone-administered questionnaires at baseline and 6 weeks post intervention. Secondary outcomes included acceptability and self-reported behaviors. Analyses included hypothesis testing, multiple correspondence analysis, and k-means clustering.ResultsA total of 120 older adults were randomized (comparator: n=59; telehealth: n=61), with 103 analyzed (comparator: n=51; telehealth: n=52). Both groups showed substantial within-group improvements in oral health knowledge (comparator: Cohen d=0.93, 95% CI 0.52-1.34; P<.001; telehealth: Cohen d=1.07, 95% CI 0.66-1.48; P<.001) and self-efficacy (comparator: r=0.59, 95% CI 0.38-0.74; P<.001; telehealth: r=0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.77; P<.001). In per-protocol analysis, telehealth improved dental caries knowledge (P=.03) and attitudes (P=.004), with no between-group differences in other domains (P>.05). In intention-to-treat analysis, telehealth showed a significant between-group difference for attitudes only (adjusted mean difference=0.91, 95% CI 0.34-1.48; P=.002), with no differences for overall oral health knowledge (P=.11) or self-efficacy (P=.59). Exploratory analyses indicated only the rural telehealth subgroup showed significant gains in attitudes (P=.003) and flossing (P<.001). Clustering suggested greater improvements among participants with higher baseline needs, predominantly rural, with fewer teeth. Telehealth demonstrated acceptability across multiple indicators (>80% for most measures) with no clinical adverse events; minor video-access issues occurred.ConclusionsTelehealth reinforcement provided significant advantages in oral health attitudes compared with face-to-face instruction. The intervention was acceptable and showed benefits among older adults with higher preventive needs, commonly seen in rural settings. By integrating theory-informed strategies into a familiar digital platform, this study adds evidence from rural and urban contexts, extending prior work on mobile oral health. It offers insights to address service gaps in underserved areas and highlights potential for feasible, context-aligned implementation. Future research should evaluate long-term effects, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05917548; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05917548

Background/Objectives: Oral health promotion in early childhood depends strongly on caregivers’ preventive care at home and educational centers. The aim of this study was to investigate socioeconomic, educational, cultural, and oral health factors associated with caregivers’ decisions to decline their children’s participation in school-based oral health promotion programs. Methods: Caregivers who did not authorize their children’s participation in the project were identified through school records and contacted using available information (name, telephone number, and email address). Participants were selected through simple random sampling. Results: Among the 58 caregivers included in the study, the main reasons reported were failure to return the consent form or missing the deadline (36.2%), considering the child too young (19.0%), already receiving private dental care (13.8%), not understanding the consent form (13.8%), not having received the document (10.3%), lack of trust in the professional (3.4%), and other reasons (3.4%). Higher income was significantly associated with higher educational level (p = 0.002), increased toothbrushing frequency (p = 0.007), shorter time since the last dental visit (p < 0.001), and lower levels of embarrassment related to oral health (p < 0.001). Additionally, lower-income caregivers were more likely to seek dental care only in the presence of problems (p = 0.046), while higher-income families were more likely to report private dental care as a reason for non-authorization (p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings associate socioeconomic and educational inequalities with adverse effects on family oral health among parents, by reducing the frequency of preventive dental examinations and daily oral hygiene practices; and among children, by limiting authorization to participate in school-based oral health promotion programs. This evidence underscores that successful promotion of children’s oral health in educational settings requires addressing social disparities while strengthening caregivers’ knowledge and motivation to support participation.

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether older American adults with multimorbidity are at higher risk of becoming edentate over time. Methods: We used data from three waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a longitudinal survey of older American adults aged 50 years and over. Data on multimorbidity was from 2012, while data on complete tooth loss was from 2018. Multimorbidity included five common and serious conditions, namely diabetes, heart conditions, lung diseases, cancer, and stroke. Socioeconomic factor was indicated by total wealth in 2006; behaviour was indicated by smoking in 2012. We used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to assess the relationship between multimorbidity in 2012 and complete tooth loss in 2018. Participants with complete tooth loss in 2012 were excluded from the analysis. Results: Among 6286 participants with complete data across all three waves, each additional chronic condition in 2012 was associated with 1.30 times higher odds of edentulism in 2018 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.52). In the SEM, multimorbidity in 2012 was positively associated with being edentate in 2018 (estimate: 0.01, 95% CI 0.01, 0.02); smoking and wealth were also significantly associated with edentulism. Wealth and smoking were also associated with multimorbidity. Conclusions: Older adults with multimorbidity appear to have a higher probability for becoming edentate. The findings highlight the need for oral health promotion activities for those with multimorbidity.

To explore the influence of oral health-related knowledge, attitudes and practices on oral health risk-related behaviours of people in custodial settings. Integrative review. Scopus, ProQuest Central, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO and Education Research Complete were searched in March 2024 and December 2025. Studies reporting on any individuals in custodial settings, at least one oral health-related knowledge, attitude or practice and at least one oral health risk-related behaviour (either smoking, alcohol, illicit substances or sugar consumption). Data related to custodial population's oral health knowledge, attitudes, or practices and oral health risk-related behaviour were extracted, synthesised narratively and reported thematically. Findings from the 26 studies reveal that people in custodial settings had a general lack of oral health knowledge, and oral health risk-related behaviours were prevalent. The most common risk-related behaviours reported were tobacco use and free sugar consumption. Oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices of this population were influenced by custodial healthcare systems and attitudes of dental professionals. This review highlights the influence custodial healthcare and dental professionals have on the knowledge, attitudes, practices and risk-related behaviours of people in custodial settings. Oral health targeted interventions and strategies are required to improveoral health-related knowledge and attitudes thereby encouraging oral health practices among people in custodial settings. This review will inform targeted oral health promotion programs that can improve oral health outcomes and experiences of this population. People in custodial settings experience a disproportionate burden of oral diseases. This review underscores the need for proactive interventions and systemic reform to improve correctional healthcare experiences globally. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) 2018. No patient or public contribution. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: Synthesises evidence on influencing factors contributing to poor oral health among people in custodial settings. Highlights impact of healthcare staff and custodial healthcare systems on population health. Highlights the necessity of oral health promotion programs to improve oral health knowledge and to promote oral health protective behaviours.

Smoking cessation has been a public health focus for many years due to the impact of tobacco-use on the health system, society and wider economy. Evidence based information on supporting patients with smoking cessation is already available to dental teams but there appears to be limited information on the effects of tobacco on oral health for smoking cessation teams. Smoking affects the mouth, including increasing the risk of oral cancer, with prevention and early detection of oral diseases, a key priority in supporting health. There are opportunities for smoking cessation advisers to pass on oral health messages to their clients to help them maintain a good level of oral hygiene and encourage them to visit the dentist for regular checks. We developed and delivered a training session for smoking cessation advisors in a Southeast local authority. The session presented the effects of tobacco-use on the mouth, oral health promotion messaging for teams to incorporate into their sessions with clients, the importance of oral hygiene and available resources for soft tissue self-checks. The role of the dental team in oral health care was described and the importance of regular dental visits highlighted. This paper reflects the development, delivery and learning from this training initiative, particularly around future opportunities and challenges. Public Health Competencies being illustrated: oral health promotion, strategic leadership and collaborative working for health and oral health improvement.

Background: The disparity between required healthcare and healthcare services provided is defined as an unmet need. Objectives: To assess unmet and new dental treatment needs (DTN) and their causes among 10 - 12-year-old Iranian children. Methods: The initial assessment of Babol elementary school students’ DTN was conducted in 2015 as part of an oral health promotion plan. In this 3-year follow-up study, 254 10 - 12-year-old students (50% girls) from six elementary schools underwent re-examination to identify unmet and new DTN. Additionally, a checklist completed by parents identified barriers to receiving treatment for their children. Results: A total of 224 (88.2%) students had unmet DTN, with a higher prevalence among boys (P = 0.02). Furthermore, 224 (88.2%) students presented new DTN. On average, each student had 4 and 3.5 teeth with unmet and new DTN over the 3-year period, respectively. The most common types of unmet and new DTN were restorative and fissure sealant therapy. Among respondents, 166 parents (70.9%) reported difficulty addressing their children’s DTN. The most common barriers were high dental treatment costs (56%), followed by children’s fear of dental treatment (13.7%) and lack of availability and limitations of public dental services (13.2%). Conclusions: The high prevalence of unmet and new DTN after 3 years highlights a gap between needs assessments and the implementation of oral healthcare plans.

Biological ageing is characterised by a gradual decline in physiological functions, resulting in increased susceptibility to diseases and mortality. We investigated the relationship between edentulism and biological ageing among adults in England. Data were drawn from participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing who completed three consecutive biennial waves (waves 2-3-4 or 4-5-6), yielding 1889 individuals providing 2390 three-wave panel observations (mean age at baseline 68.1; men 47.7%). Edentulism was assessed in waves 3 and 5. Biological ageing was estimated using the Klemera and Doubal method, integrating multiple biomarkers assessed in waves 2, 4 and 6. Linear regression with clustered standard errors was employed to evaluate the association between edentulism and biological age in the subsequent wave (i.e., 2 years after the assessment of edentulism). Models were adjusted for pre-exposure confounders, including biological age, gender, socioeconomic status, existing health conditions and functional limitation assessed in the prior wave (i.e., 2 years before the assessment of edentulism). Participants with edentulism exhibited a 5.8-year greater biological age than those with some remaining teeth in the subsequent waves. After adjusting for confounding variables, edentulism was associated with a 0.82-year greater biological age than those with some remaining teeth (95% confidence interval: 0.40-1.24) in the subsequent waves. Edentulism was longitudinally associated with a greater biological age. Strategies that incorporate oral health promotion, particularly the prevention of tooth loss, may contribute to healthy ageing.