Overview of oral and dental healthcare in Dubai health authority: status, gaps, and initiatives, 2016-2021

This article provides an overview of the current status of oral and dental healthcare within the Dubai health authority (DHA) and highlights the gaps and the impact of initiatives implemented between 2016 and 2021. The oral and dental care program, part of the Dubai health strategy 2016-2021, aimed to enhance oral and dental care by ensuring widespread access to high-quality treatments and effective prevention programs. To gain a comprehensive understanding, an initial assessment of the current state of oral and dental care was conducted with the assistance of an external consultant. This assessment encompassed a review of existing clinical guidelines, frameworks, and awareness initiatives, as well as an evaluation of the patient journey and accessibility. While noteworthy innovative measures were already in place, certain gaps were identified, and recommendations were proposed to address them. Subsequently, specific initiatives and programs were implemented in alignment with these recommendations to bridge the identified gaps. A notable achievement was the development of the Dubai dental protocol, which governs a patient-centered model of care and emphasizes a life-course approach to dental health promotion, addressing the diverse stages of life from pre-pregnancy to geriatric care.