Looking Beyond the Drill: Uncovering Dental Care’s Role in Global Health

“3 of 4 people in Latin America lack access to quality dental care and have deficient oral health” said Dr. Sujay Mehta in his Global Health Seminar titled ‘Fair Trade Healthcare in Need of Global Citizens’. He shared this alarming statistic highlighting the urgent need for equitable dental care initiatives in underserved communities. Drawing on his experience as Director of Global Health Education at the Solidarity Dental Foundation, he discussed the impacts of oral health disparities and illustrated their role on overall well-being.

Mehta challenged the audience to rethink the stereotype of the dentist as a ‘scary’ figure and to recognize how oral health extends far beyond “drill and fill” procedures. He explained that oral health is closely linked to overall health, influencing diverse conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory health, dementia, and even pregnancy outcomes. To further illustrate the broad scope of dental care, Mehta shared examples of patients who suffer from chronic dry mouth from cancer chemotherapy or mucosal lesions from canker sores, both of which require dental solutions that enhance not just their oral function but also their quality of life. He also explained how oral injuries, including those resulting from domestic violence and assault, can exacerbate health issues and require functional restorations. Through these examples, Mehta conveyed that dental care plays a fundamental role in preventing serious health complications and improving overall well-being.

Building on this, Mehta described the Solidarity Dental Foundation’s mobile dental units, which help overcome the financial and geographical barriers that prevent many from accessing dental care.  For many, travelling long distances for dental procedures and taking time off work to recover is not feasible. To bridge this gap, Solidarity Dental mobile units, which can be set and packed up within an hour, can provide on-site dental care directly to communities. This eliminates the need for patients to endure long and costly journeys for care. However, the foundation’s mission goes beyond temporary solutions. Mehta emphasized their commitment to fostering local partnerships, training community health workers, and involving respected figures like religious leaders to promote long-term oral health. This enables communities to take charge of oral health advocacy and policy, rather than being merely passive recipients of aid. This approach ensures that the foundation’s presence is one of collaboration, countering the typical narrative of the “global North inserting themselves in the global South”. Through these efforts, Solidarity Dental not only provides urgent dental services but also strengthens health equity within the communities it serves.

Overall, Mehta’s seminar encouraged attendees to acknowledge the importance of equitable and accessible dental care. When discussing global health, dental care can often get overlooked or is not given as much priority. Mehta urged us to see beyond the stereotypes of dentistry and recognize oral health as foundational to overall health and well-being. He highlighted that true progress in global health relies on collaborative and locally-driven efforts which allow communities to take charge of their health, supported by partners who empower rather than impose. Through his work, Mehta encourages us to support health efforts that empower communities to lead, ensuring sustainable improvements in health equity across generations.