THE SCIENTIFIC DISCOURSE ON INNOVATIVE PERSPECTIVES REGARDING THE ROLE OF FAMILY DENTISTS IN PRIMARY DENTAL CARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH: CHALLENGES, EVIDENCE AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS GLOBALLY

Abstract

Family dentists occupy a pivotal position in modern healthcare systems, serving not only as primary providers of oral health services but also as critical contributors to the wider spectrum of public health. Traditionally, their role has been confined to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common dental conditions; however, evolving evidence highlights that family dentistry extends far beyond the operatory, linking oral health directly with systemic well-being, quality of life, and population health outcomes. This paper explores innovative perspectives on the global role of family dentists in primary dental care and public health, with an emphasis on challenges, evidence, and future directions that underscore their expanding significance. At the core of family dentistry lies the continuity of care across all age groups, which uniquely positions these practitioners as long-term guardians of oral health. Evidence shows that routine preventive interventions delivered in primary dental care settings can reduce the burden of oral diseases that remain among the most prevalent worldwide, such as caries, periodontitis, and oral cancers. Yet, the impact of family dentists transcends clinical practice. By adopting a biopsychosocial framework, they become central actors in health promotion campaigns, community-based prevention programs, and multidisciplinary collaborations that address the social determinants of health. Their frequent contact with patients allows them to engage in early detection of systemic conditions with oral manifestations, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders, thereby reinforcing the bidirectional relationship between oral and general health. Despite this potential, significant challenges hinder the full integration of family dentists into public health infrastructures globally. These include inequitable access to primary dental care, disparities in workforce distribution between urban and rural areas, limited inclusion of oral health in national healthcare policies, and underfunded public health initiatives. Furthermore, cultural, socioeconomic, and political barriers exacerbate inequalities in oral health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where dental care remains predominantly treatment-oriented rather than preventive. Addressing these challenges requires systemic innovations, including policy reforms that recognize oral health as integral to overall health, investment in preventive strategies, and incorporation of family dentists into interprofessional healthcare models. Emerging evidence supports the transformative role of family dentists in population health through school-based oral health education, tele-dentistry services in underserved regions, community water fluoridation advocacy, and participation in vaccination or screening campaigns for oral and systemic diseases. The adoption of digital health technologies, artificial intelligence, and data-driven public health surveillance further expands their potential to contribute to early diagnosis, personalized care, and large-scale health monitoring. These innovations, combined with a growing global awareness of oral health’s relevance to noncommunicable diseases, point toward a future in which family dentists act not merely as service providers but as public health leaders. The family dentists are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between individual clinical practice and collective health promotion. By reimagining their role within the broader framework of primary care and global public health, and by addressing structural barriers, family dentistry can evolve into a cornerstone of sustainable healthcare systems. This paradigm shift requires international cooperation, research-driven policies, and innovative models of practice that place oral health at the heart of public health strategies worldwide.