Objectives: Oral health is vital for quality of life and is linked to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This commentary explores the intersection between oral health and each of the 17 SDGs. It seeks to enhance awareness of the SDGs among Oral Health Professionals (OHPs) and to provide recommendations for OHPs to enhance their role in achieving the SDGs. Methods: The commentary contextualizes the contribution of OHPs to achieve the SDGs. It describes the historical background of the Millennium Development Goals and the transition to the more ambitious SDGs. Progress reports on the SDGs are analysed. While oral health is not explicitly mentioned in any of the SDGs, it is intrinsically linked to all SDGs, yet these connections are underexplored. Oral health is connected to poverty reduction (SDG1), health and well-being (SDG3), quality education (SDG4), gender equality (SDG5), and climate action (SDG13). OHPs play a critical role in progress towards achieving SDGs, through advocacy, community engagement, and sustainable practices. However, challenges persist, including health inequalities (SDG10) and insufficient integration into broader health initiatives (SDG17). This commentary contributes to understanding how oral health intersects with each of the 17 SDGs. It advocates for the prioritization of oral health in the global health agenda and emphasizes the need for OHPs to mobilize resources and collaborate with various sectors. By addressing these interconnections, OHPs could diminish inequalities and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future, underscoring the broader potential of oral health to contribute to progress on social justice and public health.
Mariño et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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