Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Community Dentistry

Community dentistry, also known as public health dentistry, is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention and control of oral diseases in populations, rather than individual patients. Community dentists work to improve the overall oral health of a community through education, research, and the delivery of dental care services. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, nursing homes, community health clinics, and public health department.

Community dentists may provide a range of services, such as oral health screenings, fluoride treatments, sealants, oral health education, and oral health promotion. They may also work to improve access to dental care for underserved populations, such as low-income families, individuals with disabilities, or those living in rural areas.

Community dentistry also includes research on health policy, health promotion, and disease prevention. Community dentists work to improve the oral health of the population through the development and implementation of effective oral health programs, policies, and systems that are responsive to the needs of the community. Community dentists also work with other healthcare professionals to address the oral health needs of the population and to integrate oral health into overall health care services.