El papel de los odontólogos en la salud pública: elementos indispensables en el concepto de salud y bienestar social

Abstract

Oral health is an essential component of individual health and well-being; it exerts a significant influence on people's quality of life and, therefore, on public health, requiring a comprehensive approach both individually and collectively. Despite efforts by the State, various dental entities, and daily interventions, diseases affecting the stomatognathic system continue to be one of the most prevalent health problems worldwide, representing a significant impact on health systems and a dilemma for households, who have to choose between health and meeting basic needs, affecting their finances. This is how dental caries and periodontal disease affect millions of people, primarily in communities with the least access to dental services. These communities are generally the most vulnerable populations living in communities classified as poor or in extreme poverty, primarily affecting children, adolescents, pregnant women, and older adults.