Oral Health in America: Advances & Challenges

In light of a global pandemic that so plainly shows that the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body and that those individuals and communities most affected in the pandemic are the same as those who so badly need oral health care—is perhaps more important than it has ever been. As this report describes, there is already promising research completed and underway to better understand the role the oral cavity plays with regard to SARS-CoV-2 transmission and infection.

Research, innovation, and new technologies must continue to shine light into the dark corners of this global public health crisis. This report also sheds new light on how people in the United States experience oral health differently, based on their age, economic status, and a number of other social and commercial determinants. And, while good oral health is vitally important to the health and well- being of everyone, the report shows that oral health care has not been, and is not, equitably available across America.