A Call to Action: Advancing Interprofessional Primary Care through Research, Education, and Community

Area of Science:

• Oral health research
• Primary care models
• Interprofessional education

Background:

• Integrated care models require action in research, education, and community engagement.
• Oral health is essential for equitable, person-centered primary care.
• Current strategies and opportunities for oral health integration are highlighted.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the JDR CTR supplement: "Advancing Interprofessional Primary Care through Research, Education, and Community: A Call to Action."
• Detail strategies and opportunities for advancing oral health integration.
• Emphasize key drivers for systemic change in oral health care.

Main Methods:

• Commentary introducing a special supplement.
• Highlighting current strategies and opportunities.
• Focusing on research, education, and community engagement.

Main Results:

• The JDR CTR supplement will provide detailed information on advancing oral health integration.
• Interprofessional education, faculty development, and community engagement are key drivers.
• Integration requires structural implementation beyond rhetoric.

Conclusions:

• Oral health integration into primary care is crucial for equitable access.
• The supplement serves as a resource for progress, challenges, and opportunities.
• Systemic change necessitates a focus on research, education, and community practice.