Oral Health, Dental Education and Research: A Commentary

Abstract

Despite major advances in oral health in some communities there is rampant dental and oral disease worldwide. Indeed dental caries and periodontal disease still top the league table as the commonest infections in humans. Though more research is needed there is evidence to indicate that oral disease is linked to systemic disease. Despite these revelations and the high prevalence of oral disease, the dental education systems worldwide are facing fundamental challenges due to social, economic and technological reasons. These challenges will not be adequately addressed with anything less than a concerted response from the government, community, alumni, and industry. Only then can the faculties or schools of Dentistry flourish and provide a stimulating and quality environment for graduates to develop their full potential and to hone their competitive advantage for a challenging career in a fast-changing world. In this article the author describes the current dental landscape globally, and then addresses the multifarious challenges in education, research, and resource support that constantly challenges the delivery of dental pedagogy worldwide.