Oral Health in America Report by the Surgeon General (2000) explains the concepts of practicing dentistry in the United States. The report summarizes information gathered by the National Institute of Health (NIH), i.e. oral health needs of the people (population), access to oral health care, and our professional responsibility to the population.

READING
Access the report at www.nidcr.nih.gov : read the Executive Summary and all of its subparts; Organization of the Report and subparts (Parts 1-5); Major Findings, A Framework for Action, and Conclusion. Also: : https://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7823_Inflammation.pdf Inflammation: the Relationship of Oral Health to Systemic Health; J.R. Gurenlian,

Assignment
1. List the four themes of the Surgeon General’s report: Oral Health in America with a brief explanation for each theme.
2. Identify two significant issues related to oral health for each group: children, adults, and older adults.
3. Of the eight major findings in the Report, describe the one finding that has the greatest potential influence on your perception of yourself as a future healthcare provider and explain why.
4. List at least three (3) ways you can help your patients attain oral health and good overall health as you understand your future role as a healthcare provider.