FDI World Dental Federation recently released a landmark Consensus Statement on Integrated Electronic Health Records (EHRs), urging health systems worldwide to embed oral health into broader digital health infrastructures.
The statement identifies eight core oral health indicators that should be routinely shared and outlines a strategic framework for uniting dental and medical records to deliver more holistic, person-centred care.
“Oral health is a crucial component of overall health, yet oral health indicators are often excluded from electronic health records,” FDI president Dr Greg Chadwick said.
“Integrating these indicators into EHRs can significantly improve diagnoses, treatment coordination, medication management and patient outcomes, while also strengthening interprofessional collaboration.”
Developed by global experts, the eight key indicators include periodontal disease, caries, oral cancer screenings, oral health status, medical devices and implants information, prescription data, allergy information, and radiographic imaging.
Given that poor oral health can significantly impact overall health—including chronic conditions like diabetes—integration ensures it is no longer treated in isolation. This approach enables patients to receive more coordinated, timely, and personalised care, with reduced risk of errors, better disease prevention, and improved outcomes.
The statement also addresses current challenges, including standardisation, interoperability, data security, cost barriers, and international coordination, while outlining strategic solutions for implementation.
