INTEGRATING ORAL HEALTH CARE ACROSS NON-DENTAL PROFESSIONALS: Part 1: How oral health and cardiovascular health, diabetes and cognitive decline are related
Associate Professor Rachel Martin, Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Melbourne & Western Sydney University & Director, Australian Network for the Integration of Oral Health (NIOH) & Director, Australian Dental Research Foundation
Dr Ajesh George, Professor of Interprofessional Oral Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University & Co-Founder & Director, Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health – ACIOH
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Filmed in Melbourne & Liverpool, NSW | January 2025
Poor oral health can contribute to or exacerbate several systemic health conditions due to the close connection between oral bacteria, inflammation, and systemic processes. These conditions include cardiovascular health, diabetes, respiratory health, cognitive health, pregnancy and birth outcomes.
The Australian Network for the Integration of Oral Health (NIOH) was founded in 2017 to promote and drive the alignment and integration of oral and general health systems. The mission of NIOH is to promote collaborative practice among various health professionals, enhancing access to oral health services and encouraging early preventive care. NIOH has over 120 members across universities, government agencies, not-for-profits, consumer groups, and industry within Australia.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Associate Professor Rachel Martin, Director at NIOH about the oral health being intricately linked to overall health, particularly concerning two prevalent diseases: periodontal disease and dental caries, which often go untreated.
Assoc Prof Martin, talks about primary healthcare practitioners playing a vital role in early intervention by proactively asking patients about symptoms such as loose teeth and bleeding gums. She comments on AIHW statistics on Australians hospitalised despite potentially preventable oral conditions, underscoring the need for timely care.
The Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), is the research arm of NIOH. Dr Ajesh George as Co-Founder & Director, of ACIOH spoke to Australian Health Journal about the opportunities that clinical professionals, in dental health care and general health care can play in integrated models of health care and on prevention, early intervention to reduce the burden of disease in Australia.
To see the Australian Health Journal segment, “Integrating oral health care across non-dental professionals, Part 1: How Oral Health and Cardiovascular Health, Diabetes and Cognitive Decline Are Related”, click here.
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Evolution in consumer diagnostics with saliva based pathology
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer diagnostics have rapidly advanced, with more people becoming aware of and comfortable using at-home testing. These tests provide greater convenience, control, and empowerment, allowing individuals to monitor their health without immediately consulting a healthcare professional. Recently, this shift has been particularly impactful in areas such as pregnancy testing, where saliva-based diagnostics now enable earlier and more accessible detection.
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New horizons in unified oral health care
The Oral Health Association of Australia (OHAA) is the peak professional association representing Oral Health Practitioners (dental hygienists, dental therapists and oral health therapists) to support and promote the continued growth and development of oral health across Australia.
In October 2025, OHAA held its inaugural Congress as a new association entity to celebrate and advance the shared goals of the oral health workforce and community. This year’s Congress was held to foster learning, collaboration, and growth in the field of oral health.
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Getting the conversation going on the connection between oral health and chronic conditions
Dr. Carol Tran is an Oral Health Therapist and co-founder of Oral Health Home, an organisation focused on innovative, prevention-oriented oral health education and outreach. She is a Past President of Dental Hygienists Association of Australia (DHAA) and currently is the Scientific Program Chair, for upcoming congress in October 2025, for the newly formed Oral Health Association of Australia (OHAA).
