The increasing recognition of oral health as an essential component of overall well-being demands a comprehensive examination of how countries with universal health coverage (UHC) integrate oral health into their systems. With varying approaches worldwide, an overview of existing plans, programmes, and policies can serve as a valuable resource for future strategies and innovations aiming to improve public health outcomes in the oral health domain.
Review Methodology and Scope
This article outlines a scoping review intended to capture diverse oral health plans globally, focusing on countries with UHC. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology underpins the review process, utilising the PCC framework to gather relevant data from 78 nations. By searching prominent databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed) and Scopus, and involving grey literature sources like Google Scholar, the study aims to cover a comprehensive range of oral health policies without limitations on language or date of publication. The research further includes examining official documents from health ministries and international organisations like the WHO to ensure inclusivity and breadth.
Data Collection and Analysis
Two reviewers independently scrutinise titles and abstracts, with a third expert stepping in for any conflict resolution. Once deemed eligible, records undergo full-text evaluation to extract data reflecting significant health system elements—population, structure, services, governance, and oral health indicators. The findings will showcase strategies through various means such as tables and charts, aimed at illustrating the integration and innovations in oral health services.
– Countries with UHC differ significantly in how they implement oral health policies.
– The effectiveness of oral health programs correlates with broader health system components like governance and services offered.
– Official documents provide crucial insights into the strategic direction of oral health initiatives.
After data extraction, presentations and peer-reviewed journal articles will disseminate the results at academic forums and scientific events, although no ethical approval is required due to the nature of the study. This review anticipates generating a detailed landscape of worldwide oral health strategies, contributing to more informed decision-making among policymakers.
Understanding the intricacies of how oral health is integrated into UHC systems worldwide is critical for advancing public health goals. By analysing diverse strategies and innovations documented in this scoping review, stakeholders can explore new avenues to strengthen their health systems. Access to such comprehensive data—spanning governance, service structures, and population engagement—positions health authorities to make strategic decisions that promote inclusive and effective oral health care for all citizens within the framework of UHC. Such insights empower both policymakers and health practitioners to refine their approaches, aligning them with global best practices for more significant health impact and sustainability.
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
