{
  "abstract": "Background Oral diseases pose a significant global public health challenge, affecting individuals’ mental wellbeing, social engagement, and economic productivity. Despite their clear associations with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions, oral health continues to receive limited attention in broader public health strategies. Emerging evidence highlights the potential role of dental professionals in the early detection and management of systemic diseases that present with oral symptoms.Methods This scoping review aimed to investigate the role of dentists in identifying and managing non-communicable diseases that manifest through oral indicators, as well as to explore the extent and effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaboration between dental and medical practitioners. The review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping framework and adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus for literature published between 2015 and 2025. Eligible studies included those reporting on the detection or management of NCDs within dental settings.Results Of 881 records screened, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Dentists were found to play an active role in recognizing early signs of systemic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions through indicators like periodontal disease, gingival inflammation, and tooth loss. Tools such as routine oral examinations and chairside HbA1c testing were commonly used. Management strategies included periodontal treatment and educating patients on the oral-systemic health connection. However, efforts to integrate care were limited by weak referral pathways, insufficient communication, and the absence of formalized collaborative protocols.Conclusion Dentists have a critical yet underutilized role in the early detection and co-management of NCDs. Strengthening interprofessional collaboration, enhancing communication channels, and developing integrated care models can enable dental settings to contribute more effectively to the prevention and management of systemic diseases.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Vikram Niranjan"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Oreoluwa Sewanami"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P09-6 The contribution of dentists to early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care of chronic diseases with oral manifestations: a scoping review",
  "uid": "df97aee6-3f67-5d6a-98c6-34bda8725d21"
}