One Health approach urged for comprehensive dental education at PDA Conference
LAHORE: At the closing day of the 14th Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) Conference held at Expo Center Lahore, Prof. Dr. Ambrina Qureshi, Chairperson of Community Dentistry at Dow University of Health Sciences, delivered a groundbreaking keynote address on the One Health concept, advocating for an urgent reform in Pakistan’s dental curriculum. Her message resonated with attendees, emphasizing that dentistry must no longer be confined to isolated care but must be integrated with broader aspects of systemic health and environmental sustainability.
Transforming dental education
During her keynote, Prof. Qureshi stressed the critical need to develop comprehensive dental practitioners who can not only provide top-tier care but also understand the intersectionality between oral health and other health determinants, such as nutrition, non-communicable disease prevention, and environmental factors. She highlighted the importance of early disease detection, particularly in recognizing the first signs of systemic conditions in the oral cavity.
However, Prof. Qureshi’s message went beyond just clinical treatment—she called for a more holistic approach to healthcare, which includes understanding and addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonotic health risks as part of the One Health approach. She emphasized:
“This approach demands that dental graduates be well-versed in health screening, patient referrals, and prevention strategies while collaborating effectively with other healthcare professionals.”
One Health: A holistic approach to health education
The One Health concept, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, received strong attention from the conference participants. Prof. Qureshi's presentation sparked a robust discussion about the curriculum transformation needed to ensure that dental education aligns with global health goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She stressed the importance of collaborative care that extends beyond procedural dental practice. Rather than focusing solely on technical skills, future dentists should be trained to approach healthcare from a systems perspective, allowing them to collaborate with professionals across various sectors and contribute meaningfully to public health initiatives.
Acknowledging global health advocates
In her closing remarks, Prof. Qureshi expressed her heartfelt appreciation for Prof. Raman Bedi, Prof. MsGarth Coleman, and Dr. Shaur Sarfaraz—global leaders in the One Health movement who are working to strengthen healthcare systems worldwide. These professionals, she acknowledged, are making invaluable contributions toward the integration of oral health with global health policies and strategies.
The session underscored the need for a revolutionized dental curriculum that prepares graduates not only for clinical excellence but also for leadership in public health and policy reform. The message was clear: dentistry in Pakistan must evolve to meet the challenges of a complex, interconnected world. As Prof. Qureshi said:
“Dentists should be at the forefront of not just oral health, but also the broader health system, where education, policy, and practice converge.”
Smart dentistry starts here
Dental News App — Built for Dental Professionals
From breaking dental news to an essential Dental Drugs Index, Dental News helps you make informed clinical and professional decisions—on the go.
Get the app:
Android: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
iOS: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
