FDI Launches Global Call for Integration of Oral Health into Electronic Health Records

FDI World Dental Federation has 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.

The eight key indicators identified 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 from the broader health record.

"Oral health is a crucial component of overall health, yet oral health indicators are often excluded from electronic health records. Integrating these indicators into EHRs can significantly improve diagnoses, treatment coordination, medication management and patient outcomes, while also strengthening interprofessional collaboration," said FDI President Dr Greg Chadwick.

The Consensus Statement addresses current challenges including standardisation, interoperability, data security, cost barriers, and international coordination, while outlining strategic solutions for implementation. With global health policy shifts already underway, FDI argues that the opportune moment is now to establish a baseline standard for the patient data fields to be integrated between digital healthcare systems.

The FDI Integrated Electronic Health Records project is supported by Henry Schein and Henry Schein One. "Creating a common language for electronic dental and medical record integration enables clinicians to collaborate more effectively and efficiently in adopting systemic healthcare approaches, ultimately improving global patient care," said Dr Ryan Hungate, Chief Clinical and Strategy Officer at Henry Schein One.