Oral Health

As primary care continues to transition to comprehensive care, more fields are being absorbed into the primary care space, one of these being oral healthcare. Primary care teams have the unique ability to manage preventative, acute and chronic care needs for a wide range of clinical conditions. As many health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and other conditions, are linked to oral health, it is very much in the sphere of primary care. Ensuring that clinicians are equipped with the tools and knowledge to adequately recognize issues with oral health, provide basic treatments and exams, and help connect patients with dental professionals is essential. As over 46 million Americans live in Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas, the opportunity for primary care to fill that role is evident, and needed.