Formally recognized as a dental specialty by the American Dental Association in 1950, public health dentistry has made great strides in the decades that followed. Leading the way are the Commissioned Corps Dental Officers of the US Public Health Service (USPHS), who serve the public and underserved communities in a variety of federal agencies and programs.

In an exclusive interview with the staff of Impressions, RADM Christopher G. Halliday, DDS, MPH, Chief Dental Officer for USPHS and Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) Division of Oral Health, discusses the challenges facing public health dentistry today and in the future. He covers topics such as access to care for underserved populations, the task of raising awareness of healthcare need in these communities, and the government’s commitment to keeping pace with current technologies in dental care delivery.

“There continues to be significant segments of underserved populations that lack regular access to dental care, and the need is increasing in these communities,” says RADM Halliday. “This is especially true of American Indian and Alaska Native populations, who have a rate of dental disease about two and a half times the national average. These communities are served by IHS, the largest employer of Commission Corps and civil service dentists among USPHS operational divisions.”

Of particular concern is the rapidly-growing pediatric and adolescent segments of the population, which experience tooth decay earlier and to a greater extent than other children in the general US population.

“While much progress has been made, we’re working toward further addressing their oral health needs without ignoring the rest of the population in underserved communities,” says RADM Halliday. “I’d like to see more emphasis on community-based and clinical-based prevention programs in this regard. Dental hygienists and dental assistants are important in this area for IHS, as they provide clinical and community-based prevention programs for all age groups.” Read the full article »