In recent years, with the release of the World Health Organization's Global Strategy for Oral Health, the world's oral health sector has been undergoing a profound and comprehensive transformation. This is not only a technological innovation, but also a systemic reorganization of the perception of equity, sustainability and health. We are witnessing an important turning point from “treating disease” to “promoting health”.
I. From policy leadership to grassroots change: a new blueprint for system building
The introduction of the Global Strategy has provided countries with a clear path for reform. More and more countries have begun to incorporate oral health into their universal health care systems and to promote the integration of dental services into primary health care. This change is not only a fine-tuning of policy, but also a profound response to the long-standing problem of “difficult and expensive dental care”.
Especially for low-income people and residents in remote areas, this institutional change is undoubtedly a “gentle but firm” support. The sense of access to health is gradually becoming fairer and more accessible.
At the same time, the concept of “prevention-oriented” has become mainstream, shifting gradually from the traditional model of relying solely on treatment to a public health mindset centered on education, intervention and prevention. Oral fluoridation, early screening, health education - these seemingly small initiatives are building a solid line of defense to prevent problems before they occur.
II, the public concept of change: the awakening of health awareness of the
value of oral health, is being more and more people to re-recognize. In the policy to promote and popularize the role of education, the public began to realize that the oral cavity is not just a “tooth thing”, but an important part of the health of the whole body. The close connection between periodontal disease and diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even maternal health is awakening people's awareness of active participation in health management.
This awakening of awareness not only encourages earlier and more frequent oral checkups, but also makes the family the first line of defense in health care. Dentistry is no longer a department that “only comes to mind when in pain”, but is gradually becoming part of a healthy lifestyle.
What is even more gratifying is that the social image of the dental profession is also quietly changing. From “filling doctor” to “health gatekeeper”, this identity reshaping not only enhances the professionalism of the industry, but also attracts more young people to join it, injecting fresh energy into the industry.
III. Three Trends in Global Perspective: Digitalization, Inclusion and Specialization
From a global perspective, the development of the dental industry is showing three distinct trends.
The first is the wave of digitalization; the widespread application of technologies such as AI-assisted diagnosis, 3D-printed denture, and remote dental services is reshaping the diagnosis and treatment process. In particular, the remote consultation and remote follow-up model validated during the epidemic has become a powerful means to break through geographical barriers and enhance service accessibility.
Second is the accelerated deployment of universal healthcare. In the process of promoting “universal health coverage”, countries are constantly expanding the boundaries of dental services, tilting more resources to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with disabilities. Health equity is gradually moving from vision to reality.
The last is the deepening of specialization and integration. From clinical practice to research and education, dentistry is working more closely with nutrition, psychology, basic medicine and other disciplines to promote a more systematic and comprehensive health governance model. International cooperation is also being strengthened, and the sharing of policies, data and knowledge is making the entire profession more open and synergistic.