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 Surgeon General's ReportOverview 
Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General

On May 25, 2000, Surgeon General David Satcher released Oral Health in America:  A Report of the Surgeon General, the 51st Surgeon General's report issued since 1964, when Luther Terry issued his landmark report on tobacco and health. These reports have helped frame the science on vital health issues in a way that have helped educate, motivate and mobilize the public to more effectively deal with those issues.

In addition to a lack of awareness of the importance of oral health among the public, the report found a significant disparity between racial and socioeconomic groups in regards to oral health and ensuing overall health issues. Based upon these findings, the Surgeon General called for action to promote access to oral health care for all Americans, especially the disadvantaged and minority children found to be at greatest risk for severe medical complications resulting from minimal oral care and treatment.

Findings 
Major Findings of "Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General."

 

  • Oral diseases and disorders in and of themselves affect health and well-being throughout life.
  • Lifestyle behaviors that affect general health?such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol use and poor dietary choices?affect oral and craniofacial health as well.
  • More information is needed to improve America's oral health and eliminate health disparities.
  • Oral diseases and conditions are associated with other health problems
  • Safe and effective measures exist to prevent the most common dental diseases: dental caries and periodontal diseases.
  • There are profound and consequential oral health disparities within the U.S. populations.
  • The mouth reflects general health and well-being.

 

Scientific research is key to further reduction in the burden of diseases and disorders that affect the face, mouth and teeth.
Background And Overview.  The release this year of "Oral Health in American: A Report of the Surgeon General"--the first such report on this topic in U.S. history--gives national visibility to the scope and breadth of oral health and disease in America.  The report emphasizes oral health's inextricable link to general health and well-being.  Although the country has seen major improvements in oral health, some population groups have yet to benefit from these improvements.  To address health disparities and improve quality of life for all Americans, the surgeon general's report calls for the development of a National Oral Health Plan.
 
Conclusions.  "Oral Health in America" identifies opportunities for the dental profession on behalf of the nation's overall health.  The profession is uniquely positioned to ensure that all components of the National Oral Health Plan are addressed:  changing perceptions to ensure that oral health is seen as integral to general health; removing barriers to care; enhancing health infrastructure; accelerating the transfer of science into practice; and continuing to participate in private/public partnerships.
 
Clinical Implications.  The report's findings highlight the importance of assessing patients' known risks of experiencing oral diseases and of educating patients about health-promoting behaviors.  The integral role of oral health in general health, as described in the report, makes it imperative for health professionals to ensure appropriate referrals to practitioners in all areas of health care.
Excellence you can trust for over 25 years

Lindsay B. Eastman, DDS, MS, PA
1906-G 59th Street West
Bradenton, Florida 34209
Phone: (941) 792-3899
Email: eastman@tampabay.rr.com
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