The need for effective interprofessional collaboration between nutrition and dentistry

Area of Science:

• Interdisciplinary health research
• Public health nutrition
• Oral health sciences

Background:

• Diet and nutrition are fundamental to preventing and managing chronic diseases.
• Systemic health and oral health have bidirectional relationships, influencing each other.
• The 2020 Surgeon General's Report emphasizes nutrition's integral role in oral health and disease development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on nutritional counseling in oral health settings versus the medical model.
• To identify challenges in integrating nutrition into dental practice.
• To propose next steps for enhancing collaboration between nutrition and dentistry.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current evidence.
• Comparative analysis of nutritional counseling models.
• Identification of barriers and facilitators for interprofessional collaboration.

Main Results:

• Limited documented collaboration exists between nutrition and dentistry professionals.
• Registered Dietitians are effective in the medical model for chronic disease management through nutrition therapy.
• Nutritional counseling in oral health settings requires further development and integration.

Conclusions:

• Integrating nutrition into oral health education and clinical practice is essential.
• Enhanced collaboration can address prevalent chronic diseases and improve health equity.
• Addressing the gap between nutrition and dental practice is vital for holistic patient care.