Why Oral Health Matters
Worldwide, 60-90% of children and nearly 100% of adults have had dental cavities. Additionally, approximately 30% of adults over the age of 65 have no longer have any remaining natural teeth. A recent analysis of 291 diseases worldwide found that untreated caries, or cavities, in permanent teeth was the most prevalent of all conditions. Untreated, these conditions can cause the tooth to decay and eventually dental disease. Millions of people are suffering everyday from the pain caused by dental disease, also living shorter lives because of related chronic health problems. The cause of poor oral health mainly rests on the lack of access to preventative oral health care such as fluoride but also from habits such as an unhealthy diet, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol use.
Current Research
Strategic leadership coupled with pragmatic solutions are the hallmarks of the Gillings School and its partner, the UNC School of Dentistry. We are leaders in training the dental public health workforce of the future. The Gillings School and the Dental School offer a joint degree in oral epidemiology and a joint program in dental public health, a unique approach that maximizes the wealth of resources in both schools.
Our strong focus is reducing dental health disparities. For the past 30 years, our faculty has studied the effectiveness of community- and practice-based oral health interventions such as fluoride, various dental treatments, and physician-delivered preventive services. We have been building and testing a health care system that pools the resources of physicians, dentists and community organizations like Early Head Start in oral health prevention and care for preschool children. This unique collaboration show enormous promise in reducing barriers to prevention and access.
Additional Research in the Field of Oral Health
Genetic variation may protect against certain oral cancers
Study finds racial, ethnic disparities in dental caries among NC kindergarten students
Study finds low-income children benefit from preventive oral health services
