A Call to Action: Advancing Interprofessional Primary Care through Research,Education,and Community

Abstract

A shift toward integrated, interprofessional care models requires intentional action across multiple domains, most notably research, education, and community engagement. This commentary introduces the upcoming JDR CTR supplement titled “Advancing Interprofessional Primary Care through Research, Education, and Community: A Call to Action.” The supplement will include detailed information on the topics described in this commentary and highlight current strategies and opportunities to advance oral health integration across education, clinical care, and community-based models. This commentary emphasizes interprofessional education, faculty development, and community engagement as key drivers of systemic change. Integration must move beyond rhetoric to structural implementation, redefining oral health as essential to equitable, person-centered primary care.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This commentary highlights the JDR CTR special supplement (available in July 2025), featuring influential research and expert contributions that advance dentistry interprofessional health care. It is a valuable resource for exploring the progress, challenges, and opportunities at the intersection of research, education, and community practice, all aimed to advance oral health integration and improve equitable access to care.