The Effects of Oral Health Education on Primary Care Clinicians Primary care clinicians frequently interact with newborns in their first few years of life, yet they typically receive little or no training in anticipatory dental health care. This lack of participation in pediatric oral health care has been linked to the high prevalence of dental disease, particularly among low-income children. Primary care professionals may benefit from oral health training to help address these discrepancies. The National Institutes of Health (NIIOH) provides funding to national organizations and consortiums that promote oral health. These organizations provide materials and promote the development of oral health care curricula. Among these materials is the national curriculum Smiles for Life, free and available online. Primary care physicians must be skilled in oral health care to provide comprehensive care. These practitioners must be able to detect and treat oral disorders and provide preventive care. Oral health is linked to a variety of diseases and disorders. As a result, primary care doctors must be trained to identify oral health concerns, administer basic treatments, and refer patients to dental care specialists. As the number of primary care physicians increases, there is a greater demand for primary care practitioners who are knowledgeable and skilled in oral health. Primary care physicians can provide patient counselling and referrals to dentists in addition to providing routine oral exams. This knowledge will not only assist primary care professionals in improving patient health but will also aid in the reduction of inequities in oral health. Therefore, oral health education should also be included in medical schools and continuing medical education programs. It has been demonstrated that oral health training improves physician performance in oral health treatment. Oral health education has also improved physicians' awareness of preventive oral health. In addition, oral health education programs in developed countries can enhance children's oral health. More study is needed to assess the impact of oral health training on primary care practitioners. Integrating oral health with primary care can improve patient health outcomes and access to preventative interventions throughout the lifespan. Creating an integrated healthcare system necessitates efficient collaboration and communication. Furthermore, greater contact and information exchange between primary care practitioners and dentists will improve care quality in both settings. The Commission on Dental Accreditation guidelines has built a framework for IPE that focuses on integrating dental health with medical treatment. Furthermore, dental students must
comprehend the social determinants of health and aspects connected to health inequalities in vulnerable populations. Many dentistry students, however, do not have IPE. This key gap must be filled to improve patient healthcare delivery. Oral health education should be incorporated into primary care as part of the medical curriculum and in a collaborative learning setting. This could have a significant impact on patient care quality. Educating medical students on oral health will increase their understanding of the link between it and systemic health. It will also facilitate interprofessional learning, which is critical for improving patient outcomes.