Holistic care should be coming your way

Area of Science:

• Healthcare
• Public Health
• Interprofessional Education

Background:

• The current healthcare system often operates in silos, limiting comprehensive patient care.
• Holistic healthcare emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and social well-being.
• Oral health is frequently disconnected from general health, despite its systemic implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the integration of interprofessional, holistic healthcare models.
• To highlight the crucial role of dentistry within a comprehensive, whole-patient care framework.
• To emphasize the necessity of oral healthcare's integration into broader holistic health initiatives.

Main Methods:

• This is an opinion article, presenting a perspective on healthcare delivery.
• It synthesizes existing concepts of interprofessional collaboration and holistic care.
• It draws upon the author's expertise in dentistry and healthcare policy.

Main Results:

• Interprofessional, holistic healthcare provision significantly enhances general health and wellbeing.
• Integrating dentistry into holistic healthcare models unlocks its potential for complete patient care.
• A collaborative approach across healthcare professions is essential for optimal health outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Dentistry-oral healthcare must become an integral part of holistic healthcare provision.
• Adopting interprofessional and holistic approaches is vital for advancing patient care.
• A unified healthcare strategy benefits overall population health and wellbeing.