Oral Health Professions Pathway

According to the World Health Organization, oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life. It encompasses a range of diseases and conditions that include dental caries, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, oral manifestations of HIV infection, oro-dental trauma, and birth defects such as cleft lip and palate. As stated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, cancers of the lip and oral cavity are among the top 15 most common cancers worldwide, with nearly 180 000 deaths each year. Below is an educational pathway graphic explaining how to get into an oral health profession.