A doctoral dissertation from the University of Turku explored how oral health is integrated into healthcare policies worldwide and demonstrated the importance of integrating dental care into primary health services.
While many countries have achieved notable success in controlling non-communicable and infectious diseases, oral diseases remain widespread and under-addressed. BDS, MSc Balgis Gaffar’s doctoral dissertation demonstrates that integrating dental care into primary health services is key to reducing this persistent burden and promoting equity.
Gaffar’s doctoral work combines global policy analysis and fieldwork in Saudi Arabia to assess how oral health can be more closely embedded in general healthcare systems.
The study found that globally, only about a half (55.2%) of countries have formal oral health policies for children, and only 54% integrate those policies into general health plans.
Programs for disadvantaged populations and universal dental coverage are also limited: just 49.4% of countries target disadvantaged populations, and 48.3% include dental care in universal health coverage.
In Saudi Arabia, a survey of 1,398 medical doctors and health nurses revealed modest average oral health knowledge, with physicians demonstrating more knowledge than nurses. While attitudes were generally positive, only a minority of nurses conducted screenings or provided oral health education. Major barriers included lack of training and heavy workloads. An educational intervention significantly improved knowledge scores, though changing beliefs was more difficult.
These findings reveal gaps between policy and practice, and show that training and structural support are crucial to move from intention to action.
The dissertation highlights that oral health is not just a dental issue — it shares risk factors with diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illness. By integrating oral care into primary health systems, it is possible to improve prevention, reduce inequalities, and deliver care more efficiently. In Finland, this could inform steps to better coordinate public dental services with general health services, especially for underserved groups.
“Oral health is a mirror of general health — investing in its integration yields benefits for the whole body, the health system, and society,” says Dr. Gaffar.
Dissertation defence on Friday, 31 October
MSc Balgis Gaffar defends the dissertation in Community Dentistry titled “Integration of Oral Health into Primary Care: The Policy and Practice” at the University of Turku on 31 October 2025 at 13.00 (University of Turku, Dentalia, Arje Scheinin lecture hall, Lemminkäisenkatu 2, Turku).
The audience can also participate in the defene remotely.
Opponent: Professor Eero Lahelma (University of Helsinki)
Custos: Professor Jorma Virtanen (University of Turku)
Contact information: balgis.gaffar@utu.fi
