Reflections on the WHO Global Oral Health Status Report and its implications for health promotion
Abstract
Background: Oral diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide and represent a significant public health burden. The World Health Organization’s Global Oral Health Status Report (2022) provides a comprehensive overview of the global prevalence and impact of oral diseases.
Opinion: This paper interprets the key messages of the WHO report from a public health and health education perspective. It argues that oral health remains insufficiently integrated into general health promotion strategies, despite the well-established role of shared risk factors. The study highlights that the main challenge of oral health promotion is not the lack of evidence, but the limited implementation of existing knowledge in practice and education.
Conclusions: The WHO report provides a strong professional foundation; however, its impact largely depends on the extent to which its recommendations are translated into practice. Health education, health literacy, and interdisciplinary approaches play a crucial role in the prevention of oral diseases.
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