The Dental Health Foundation Ireland (DHF) announces the launch of Oral Health in Ireland, A Handbook for Health Professionals 3rd Edition 2024.

The Dental Health Foundation is delighted to launch Oral Health in Ireland, A Handbook for Health Professionals 3^rd Edition. This publication is a concise, evidence-based document on oral health promotion for use by health and allied professionals in Ireland highlighting that patient care can be improved by integrating three important aspects of clinical practice; - professional expertise, a patient’s needs and preferences, and the best available scientific evidence. 

The publication has been produced by the DHF with research and editorial services of the Oral Health Services Research Centre, University College Cork. It is free to download at https://www.dentalhealth.ie/resources/publications/oral-health-in-ireland-3rd-edition/.

3.5 billion people globally are affected by oral disease and those with gum disease are 3 times more likely to suffer from other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory diseases. As the body is an interconnected system, these common risk factors can have a profound effect on those systems. Fully grasping the importance of oral health and its connection to the body’s overall wellbeing can ultimately lead to disease prevention. 

Oral health inequalities are a major public health issue. Vulnerable and underserved communities often suffer the most from poor oral health due to barriers such as lack of access to dental care, low health literacy, and socioeconomic challenges. 

Health professionals are often the first point of contact for people and have a unique opportunity to be advocates for oral health. By integrating oral health education into health practice interaction with patients, can have a positive influence on behavior change and encourage people to take better care of their mouths. This Handbook aims to help bridge knowledge gaps and facilitate reducing disparities to ensure that everyone can achieve good oral health       

Oral health promotion is not just the job of dental professionals as oral health is not a separate entity but a vital part of the health puzzle and a shared responsibility that can be embraced by all health professionals. DHF Trustee, Professor Máiréad Harding stresses “that by understanding the links between oral health and overall health, advocating for preventive practices, addressing health inequalities, and educating patients, we can make a profound impact on the wellbeing of our communities.” 

CEO of the DHF, Orlaith Kennedy, acknowledges the importance of this initiative: "Oral health isn't just about teeth – it's about general health and quality of life. This handbook is designed to empower health professionals to recognise and address oral health issues early, improving outcomes for patients while reducing the burden on the healthcare system."