Partnerships for Community Engagement in Promoting Oral Health

The Commission on the Social Determinants of Health (WHO Report, 2008) recognized that, “Reaching beyond government to involve civil society and the voluntary and private sectors is a vital step towards action for health equity. The increased incorporation of community engagement and social participation in policy processes helps to ensure fair decision-making on health equity issues.” This presentation provides case studies of community engagement across the spectrum from lay individuals, non-health professionals, health professional partnerships and public-private partnerships to promote oral health locally, nationally and internationally. Examples of community involvement in evaluation are less common but increasingly important if we are to partner effectively to promote oral health across our communities.