Collaboration Between Primary Healthcare and Dental Services for Disease Prevention

Oral health is an integral component of overall health; however, oral diseases continue to represent a significant public health challenge worldwide. The high prevalence of oral diseases and their association with various systemic conditions emphasize the importance of integrated healthcare models. In this context, evaluating collaborative models between primary healthcare and dental services has become increasingly important, as effective interdisciplinary collaboration contributes to disease prevention, early diagnosis, and improved health outcomes.

The aim of this literature review is to evaluate the effectiveness of collaboration between primary healthcare and dental services and to identify the main barriers that hinder their integration. The review discusses the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and recent international studies that demonstrate the close relationship between oral health and general health. The findings indicate that integrated care models strengthen interprofessional collaboration, improve access to preventive services, facilitate the early detection of oral diseases, and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery. At the same time, several barriers remain, including insufficient education of primary healthcare professionals in oral health, limited interdisciplinary communication, financial constraints, and inadequate integration of electronic health record systems. Addressing these barriers is essential for improving collaboration between primary healthcare and dental professionals and for reducing the burden of oral diseases through effective prevention and timely intervention.