Non-dental practitioners and oral health in Australia: A scoping review of knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to integration.

Background

Non-dental health practitioners in Australia, including general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals, encounter patients with oral health concerns. While well-positioned to provide early intervention, their capacity is affected by knowledge gaps, confidence, and systemic limitations.

Objective

To map Australian non-dental health practitioners' oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices and identify barriers and enablers to integrating oral health into general healthcare.

Methods

Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, five databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science) were searched for original studies published between 1 January 2014 and 16 July 2024.

Results

Of 3225 records, 20 studies were included: nurses (n = 8), midwives (n = 5), pharmacists (n = 5), and general practitioners (n = 2). Data were synthesised using deductive thematic analysis and descriptive counts of oral health attitudes, knowledge, and practices. Attitudes towards oral health were generally positive, but engagement varied. Midwives and pharmacists demonstrated greater involvement following structured training, whereas general practitioners, aged care staff, and cystic fibrosis clinicians reported limited engagement due to insufficient education, time constraints, and unclear roles. Additional barriers included a lack of referral pathways and clinical guidelines. Enablers included interprofessional collaboration and oral health training.

Conclusions

Non-dental health practitioners are well placed to promote oral health; however, integration remains inconsistent. Addressing educational and systemic barriers through targeted training, clear referral systems, and the inclusion of oral health in general and chronic disease guidelines could strengthen oral health integration and reduce inequalities in preventive care across Australian healthcare.