Oral chronic graft-versus-host disease: What the general dental practitioner needs to know

BackgroundLong-term survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation will increasingly seek care from dental providers.MethodsThe authors highlight the importance of minimizing oral symptoms and complications associated with oral chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD).ResultsChronic GVHD is the result of an immune response of donor-derived cells against recipient tissues. Oral cGVHD can affect the mucosa and damage salivary glands and cause sclerotic changes. Symptoms include sensitivity and pain, dry mouth, taste changes, and limited mouth opening. Risk of developing caries and oral cancer is increased. Food intake, oral hygiene, and dental interventions can represent challenges. Oral cGVHD manifestations and dental interventions should be managed in close consultation with the medical team, as systemic treatment for cGVHD can have implications for dental management.ConclusionsGeneral dental practitioners can contribute substantially to alleviating oral cGVHD involvement and preventing additional oral health deterioration.Practical ImplicationsFrequent examinations, patient education, oral hygiene reinforcement, dry mouth management, caries prevention, and management of dental needs are indicated. In addition, oral physical therapy might be needed. Invasive dental interventions should be coordinated with the transplantation team. Screening for oral malignancies is important even years after resolution of GVHD symptoms. Management of the oral manifestations of cGVHD might require referral to an oral medicine professional.     

A cross-sectional analysis of oral health care spending over the life span in commercial- and Medicaid-insured populations

BackgroundLife course theory creates a better framework to understand how oral health care needs and challenges align with specific phases of the life span, care models, social programs, and changes in policy.MethodsThe authors obtained data from the 2018 IBM Watson Multi-State Medicaid MarketScan Database (31 million claims) and the 2018 IBM Watson Dental Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Claims Database (45 million claims). The authors conducted analysis comparing per enrollee spending on fee-for-service dental claims and medical spending on oral health care for patients from ages 0 through 89 years.ResultsOral health care use rate and spending are lower during the first 4 years of life and in young adulthood than in other periods of life. Stark differences in the timing, impact, and severity of caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer are seen between those enrolled in Medicaid and commercial dental plans. Early childhood caries and oral cancer occur more frequently and at younger ages in Medicaid populations.ConclusionsThis life span analysis of the US multipayer oral health care system shows the complexities of the current dental service environment and a lack of equitable access to oral health care.Practical ImplicationsHealth policies should be focused on optimizing care delivery to provide effective preventive care at specific stages of the life span.     

Disparities in dental health issues and oral health care visits in US children with tobacco smoke exposure

BackgroundThe objective of the authors was to assess the relationships between tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) and dental health and dental care visits among US children.MethodsThe authors examined 2018-2019 National Survey of Children’s Health data on TSE, dental health, and oral health care visits. Children aged 1 through 11 years (N = 32,214) were categorized into TSE groups: no home TSE (did not live with a smoker), thirdhand smoke (THS) exposure (lived with a smoker who did not smoke inside the home), or secondhand smoke (SHS) and THS exposure (lived with a smoker who smoked inside the home). The authors conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjusting for child age, sex, race or ethnicity, prematurity, caregiver education level, family structure, and federal poverty threshold.ResultsChildren with home SHS and THS exposure were at increased odds of having frequent or chronic difficulty with 1 or more oral health problem (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.59; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.35; P = .022) and carious teeth or caries (AOR, 1.74; 95% CI 1.14 to 2.65; P = .010) than those with no TSE. Compared with children aged 1 through 11 years with no TSE, children with SHS and THS exposure were 2.22 times (95% CI, 1.01 to 4.87; P = .048) more likely to have not received needed oral health care but at decreased odds of having had any kind of oral health care visit (AOR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.95; P = .032), including a preventive oral health care visit (AOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.99; P = .047).ConclusionsTSE in children is associated with caries and inadequate oral health care visits.Practical ImplicationsThe pediatric dental visit is an opportune time to educate caregivers who smoke about dental health to improve their children’s teeth condition and increase oral health care visits.     

Preventive oral health care use for children with special health care needs aged 6 through 12 years enrolled in Medicaid: A mixed methods study

BackgroundThe authors aimed to assess preventive oral health care (POHC) use for children with special health care needs (CSHCN) aged 6 through 12 years enrolled in Medicaid and identify intervention strategies to improve oral health.MethodsIn this sequential mixed methods study, the authors analyzed 2012 Medicaid data for children aged 6 through 12 years in Washington state. They used eligibility and claims data to identify special health care needs status (independent variable) and POHC use (outcome variable). They ran modified Poisson regression models to generate prevalence rate ratios. They coded data from 21 key informant interviews deductively using content analytic techniques.ResultsOf the 208,648 children in the study, 18% were identified as CSHCN and 140,468 used POHC (67.3%). After adjusting for confounding variables, the authors found no difference in POHC use by special health care need status (prevalence rate ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.01; P = .91). In the qualitative analysis, the authors identified 5 themes: caries risk depends on a child’s specific health condition, caries complicates overall health, having a special need creates a bigger barrier to care, legislation alone is “not going to make much of a dent,” and improvements across all fronts are needed to promote the oral health of CSHCN in Medicaid.ConclusionsCSHCN enrolled in Medicaid are just as likely as children without special health care needs to use POHC, although barriers to oral health care access persist for CSHCN.Practical ImplicationsFuture efforts should focus on comprehensive strategies that address the varying levels of dental disease risk and difficulties accessing oral health care within the diverse group of CSHCN.     

Dental health status,use, and insurance coverage among adults with chronic conditions: Implications for medical-dental integration in the United States

BackgroundThe authors examined potential benefits and difficulties in integrating oral health care and medical care for adults with chronic conditions (CCs).MethodsThe authors used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2016 data to estimate crude (age- and sex-standardized) and model-adjusted estimates to examine the association between dental disease (severe tooth loss, untreated caries) and chronic disease (≥ 3 CCs, fair or poor health) and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 2014-2016 data to estimate crude estimates of past-year medical and dental use and financial access according to CC status. Reported differences are significant at P < .05.ResultsNational prevalences of reporting fair or poor health and 3 or more CCs were both approximately 15%. Standardized prevalence of dental disease was notably higher among adults reporting CCs than those not reporting. After controlling for covariates, the magnitude of the association was substantially lower, although the association remained significant. Adults with CCs were approximately 50% more likely to report having a past-year medical visit and no dental visit than those not reporting CCs. Among adults reporting CCs, prevalence of having no private dental insurance and low income was approximately 20% and 60% higher, respectively, than that among adults not reporting CCs.ConclusionsAdults with CCs had higher prevalence of dental disease, past-year medical visit and no dental visit, and limited financial access.Practical ImplicationsMedical visits may be the only opportunity to provide dental education and referrals to adults with CCs. Improved medical-dental integration could improve oral health care access and oral health among these adults who are at higher risk of dental disease.     

Reducing carious lesions during the first 4 years of life: An interprofessional approach

BackgroundCaries in Peruvian 0- through 3-year-olds is high. The dental profession should collaborate with nurses at mother and child health (MCH) clinics for reducing the disease. In this randomized clinical trial, the authors tested an integrated intervention program implemented by nurses and dentists.MethodsThe authors developed age-specific (0-3 years) oral health–related information and activity record cards and validated them for nurses to use after being educated about oral health issues and mouth inspection. The authors trained dentists in atraumatic restorative treatment. The active intervention group (AG) participated in the integrated intervention program, the passive intervention group (PG) received only the oral health–related information and activity record cards, and the control group (CG) received only a lecture. The examiners assessed caries status according to the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment instrument. The authors used analysis of variance and the Tamhane method to analyze the data.ResultsThe sample consisted of 368 children with a mean age of 3.1 years. The 3-year dropout percentage was 40.5%. The prevalence of cavitated dentin carious lesions was statistically significantly lower in the AG (10.0%, confidence interval [CI] 4.1 to 19.5) than in the PG (60.5%, CI 48.6 to 71.5) and CG (63.0%, CI 50.9 to 74.0) after 3 years (P < .001). Enamel carious lesions (62.9%) were most prevalent in the AG, whereas carious lesions were most prevalent in the PG (28.9%) and CG (32.9%).ConclusionsIncorporation of specific oral health care activities into the existing MCH program, implemented by trained nurses and supported by health center dentists, reduced the burden of caries in 3-year-olds substantially.Practical ImplicationsThe oral health care professionals in Peru should collaborate with personnel of MCH clinics to curb caries in 0- through 3-year-olds.     

Are dental patients able to perceive erosive tooth wear on anterior teeth?: An internet-based survey assessing awareness and related action

BackgroundErosive tooth wear (ETW) is irreversible loss of dental hard tissue. The authors examined patients’ ability to recognize ETW relative to sound teeth and teeth with caries.MethodsUsing Amazon’s crowdsourcing service, the authors recruited participants (N = 623) to view standardized images of buccal surfaces of teeth (sound, ETW, or caries). Participants reported whether a dental condition existed (yes or no), likelihood to seek care, and esthetic attractiveness for teeth with no, initial, moderate, or severe signs of ETW or caries.ResultsDental patients showed poor recognition of cases of ETW, especially compared with sound and caries-affected teeth at each level of severity. Patients were less likely to schedule a dental appointment for care or treatment of teeth with ETW than for teeth with caries at each level of severity. Patients also found ETW more esthetically attractive than caries at each level of severity and found initial ETW more attractive than sound teeth.ConclusionsDental patients struggle to recognize ETW, in general and compared with caries, at each level of severity and particularly for early stages of ETW. These recognition difficulties likely arise, in part, from tooth esthetic attractiveness standards (smooth and shiny teeth look more esthetic), possibly leading to lack of appropriate care-seeking behavior.Practical ImplicationsThis internet-based tool may be used to assess dental patients’ awareness and ability to recognize cases of ETW. Improved patient awareness might lead to seeking professional care to prevent or delay ETW progression.     

School-based caries prevention and the impact on acute and chronic student absenteeism

BackgroundPoor oral health is significantly associated with absenteeism, contributing to millions of lost school hours per year. The effect of school-based dental programs that address oral health care inequities on student attendance has not yet been explored.MethodsCariedAway was a longitudinal, cluster-randomized, noninferiority trial of minimally invasive medicines for caries used in a school-based program. We extracted data on school absenteeism and chronically absent students from publicly available data sets for years before, during, and after program onset (2016-2021). Total absences and the proportion of chronically absent students were modeled using multilevel mixed-effects linear and 2-limit tobit regression, respectively.ResultsIn years in which treatment was provided through a school-based caries prevention program, schools recorded approximately 944 fewer absences than in nontreatment years (95% CI, –1,739 to –149). Averaged across all study years, schools receiving either treatment had 1,500 fewer absences than comparator schools, but this was not statistically significant. In contrast, chronic absenteeism was found to significantly decrease in later years of the program (b, –.037; 95% CI, –.062 to –.011). Excluding data for years affected by COVID-19 removed significant associations.ConclusionsAlthough originally designed to obviate access barriers to critical oral health care, early integration of school-based dental programs may positively affect school attendance. However, the observed effects may be due to poor reliability of attendance records resulting from the closing of school facilities in response to COVID-19, and further study is needed.Practical ImplicationsSchool-based caries prevention may also improve educational outcomes, in addition to providing critical oral health care. This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. The registration number is NCT03442309.     

Impact of Medicaid dental coverage expansion on self-reported tooth loss in low-income adults

BackgroundLow-income adults delay oral health care due to cost more than any other health care service. These delays lead to caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. Expanding Medicaid dental coverage has increased dental visits, but the potential impact on previously unmet oral health needs is not well understood.MethodsIn this analysis, the authors estimated the association between Medicaid dental expansion and tooth loss. Data on self-reported tooth loss among adults below 138% federal poverty guideline were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. A difference-in-differences regression was estimated. Additional analyses stratified according to age and separated extensive and limited dental benefits.ResultsExpanding Medicaid dental coverage is associated with increased probability of total tooth loss of 1 percentage point in the total sample, representing a 20% relative increase from the pre-expansion rate. This increase was concentrated in states offering extensive dental benefits and was largest (2.5-percentage-point greater likelihood) among adults aged 55 through 64 years for whom both extensive and limited dental benefits were associated with total tooth loss.ConclusionsMedicaid expansion with extensive dental benefits was associated with increased total tooth loss among low-income adults. This finding suggests that greater access to oral health care addressed previously unmet oral health needs for this population.Practical ImplicationsAs public dental coverage continues to expand, dental care professionals may find themselves treating a greater number of patients with substantial, previously unmet, oral health needs. Additional research to understand the long-term effects of Medicaid dental insurance for adults on their oral health is needed.     

Multifaceted impact of COVID-19 on dental practice: American dental care professionals prepared and ready during unprecedented challenges

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental practices and their readiness to resume dental practice during arduous circumstances.MethodsThe authors distributed an observational survey study approved by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Institutional Review Board to dental care practitioners and their office staff members using Qualtrics XM software. The survey was completed anonymously. The authors analyzed the data using R statistical computing software, χ² test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test.ResultsNearly all participants (98%) felt prepared to resume dental practice and were confident of the safety precautions (96%). Only 21% of dentists felt the COVID-19 pandemic changed their dental treatment protocols, with at least two-thirds agreeing that precautions would influence their efficiency adversely. Although most participants were satisfied with the resources their dental practice provided for support during the pandemic (95%), most were concerned about the impact on their general health and safety (77%) and to their dental practice (90%), found working during the pandemic difficult (≈ 60%), and agreed there are challenges and long-term impacts on the dental profession (> 75%).ConclusionsDental care professionals, although affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and at high risk of developing COVID-19, were prepared to resume dental practice during most challenging circumstances.Practical ImplicationsThe pandemic has affected dental care practitioners substantially; thus, there is need to formulate psychological interventions and safety precautions to mitigate its impact. Further research should evaluate the long-term effects on dentistry and oral health and interceptive measures for better communication and programming around future challenges.     

Impact of school sealant programs on oral health among youth and identification of potential barriers to implementation

BackgroundSchool sealant programs (SSPs) increase sealant prevalence among children lacking access to oral health care. SSPs, however, are substantially underused. From 2013 through 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded 18 states for SSP activities in high-need schools (≥ 50% free and reduced-price meal program participation). From 2019 through 2020, the authors assessed SSPs' impact in reducing caries and how states expanded SSPs. The authors also discuss potential barriers to expansion.MethodsFor Aim 1, the authors used a published methodology and SSP baseline screening and 1-year retention data to estimate averted caries over 9 years attributable to SSPs. For Aim 2, the authors used state responses to an online survey, phone interviews, and annual administrative reports.ResultsUsing data for 62,750 children attending 18.6% of high-need schools in 16 states, the authors estimated that 7.5% of sound, unsealed molars would develop caries annually without sealants and placing 4 sealants would prevent caries in 1 molar. Fourteen states reported SSP expansion in high-need schools. The 2 most frequently reported barriers to SSP expansion were levels of funding and policies requiring dentists to be present at assessment or sealant placement.ConclusionsThe authors found that SSPs typically served children at elevated caries risk and reduced caries. In addition, the authors identified funding levels and policies governing supervision of dental hygienists as possible barriers to SSP expansion.Practical ImplicationsIncreasing SSP prevalence could reduce caries. Further research on potential barriers to SSP implementation identified in this study could provide critical information for long-term SSP sustainability.     

Association between first oral examination characteristics and dental treatment needs in privately insured children: A claims data analysis

BackgroundEarly childhood caries (ECC) remains the most common, preventable infectious disease among children in the United States. Screening is recommended after the eruption of the first tooth, but it is unclear how the age at first dental examination is associated with eventual restorative treatment needs. The authors of this study sought to determine how provider type and age at first dental examination are associated longitudinally with caries experience among children in the United States.MethodsDeidentified claims data were included for 706,636 privately insured children aged 0 through 6 years as part of the nationwide IBM Watson Health Market Scan (2012-2017). The authors used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to describe the association between the age of first visit and restorative treatment needs.ResultsA total of 21% of this population required restorative treatment, and the average age at first dental examination was 3.6 years. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model showed increased hazard for restorative treatment with age at first dental visit at 3 years (hazard ratio, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.97 to 2.13) and 4 years (hazard ratio, 3.99; 95% CI, 3.84 to 4.16).ConclusionThe high proportion of children requiring restorative treatment and late age at first dental screening show needed investments in educating general dentists, medical students, and pediatricians about oral health guidelines for pediatric patients.Practical ImplicationsCommunicating the importance of children establishing a dental home by age 1 year to parents and health care professionals may help reduce disease burden in children younger than 6 years.     

The pediatric dental workforce in 2016 and beyond

BackgroundChildhood caries is a major oral and general health problem, particularly in certain populations. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the adequacy of the supply of pediatric dentists.MethodsThe authors collected baseline practice information from 2,546 pediatric dentists through an online survey (39.1% response rate) in 2017. The authors used a workforce simulation model by using data from the survey and other sources to produce estimates under several scenarios to anticipate future supply and demand for pediatric dentists.ResultsIf production of new pediatric dentists and use and delivery of oral health care continue at current rates, the pediatric dentist supply will increase by 4,030 full-time equivalent (FTE) dentists by 2030, whereas demand will increase by 140 FTE dentists by 2030. Supply growth was higher under hypothetical scenarios with an increased number of graduates (4,690 FTEs) and delayed retirement (4,320 FTEs). If children who are underserved experience greater access to care or if pediatric dentists provide a larger portion of services for children, demand could grow by 2,100 FTE dentists or by 10,470 FTE dentists, respectively.ConclusionsThe study results suggest that the supply of pediatric dentists is growing more rapidly than is the demand. Growth in demand could increase if pediatric dentists captured a larger share of pediatric dental services or if children who are underserved had oral health care use patterns similar to those of the population with fewer access barriers.Practical ImplicationsIt is important to encourage policy changes to reduce barriers to accessing oral health care, to continue pediatric dentists’ participation with Medicaid programs, and to urge early dental services for children.     

Pit-and-fissure sealants on primary molars are a cost savings

BackgroundIn this study, the authors examine the cost-effectiveness of light-polymerized resin-based fluoride sealants on primary molars in high caries risk children younger than 6 years.MethodsThe authors examined the cost-effectiveness of pit-and-fissure sealant (PFS) treatment on primary molars by comparing sealed and unsealed molars treated in the outpatient clinic or operating room. Using 1,884 primary molars followed over a 5-year period, the authors used a mixed-effects regression model to estimate the probability of caries development. They used restricted means to estimate years free of caries for carious molars. They used a decision tree to address uncertainty due to PFS treatment failure, predict the expected value associated with each strategy, and estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio using a 3% discount rate to adjust future cost and outcomes to present value.ResultsOver 5 years, the cost of care was $90 for unsealed molars and $75 for sealed molars. Unsealed molars remained caries free for 4.32 years compared with 4.85 years in sealed molars. The cost-effectiveness of PFS treatment was dominant, leading to a savings of $25 for each caries-free year gained and overall savings of $742 million for the United States dental health system over a 5-year period.ConclusionsPFS treatment is associated with cost savings and a delay in caries development and should be considered in children with high caries risk.Practical ImplicationsPolicy makers should consider reimbursement of PFS treatment on primary molars in high caries risk children.     

Pediatric dental care use and parent- or caregiver-rated oral health among Alabama children enrolled in Medicaid

BackgroundReducing caries and improving access to dental care is a public health challenge. Understanding low use of dental care is of critical importance. This study estimated parent- or caregiver-reported prevalence and identified factors associated with children’s dental care use, including the association with children’s oral health.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of children enrolled in Medicaid in Alabama, using data from the 2017 statewide Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Health Plan Survey, was conducted. Associations were measured using adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from logit regression and generalized linear model postestimation of least-squares means.ResultsThe 6-month prevalence of children receiving dental care was 70.4%. Children aged 0 through 3 years (aPR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.91) had lower prevalence of care than other age groups. The prevalence of low-rated oral health was 9.2%. Low-rated oral health was associated with not receiving dental care (aPR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.87) and parental education of 8th grade or less (aPR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.98). Falsification tests determined that dental care use was not associated with ratings for overall health (aPR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.52) or emotional health (aPR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.33).ConclusionsIt was observed that children not receiving dental care had low-rated oral health; however, as a cross-sectional study, it was not possible to assess the temporality of this relationship.Practical ImplicationsOral health care providers should continue to recognize their role in educating parents and providing anticipatory guidance on children’s oral health.     

Comprehensive oral care improves treatment outcomes in male and female patients with high-severity and chronic substance use disorders

BackgroundUsing data from a workforce training program funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the authors de-identified pre- and posttreatment assessments of high-severity and chronic substance use disorders (SUDs) to test the effect of integrated comprehensive oral health care for patients with SUDs on SUD therapeutic outcomes.MethodsAfter 1 through 2 months of treatment at a SUD treatment facility, 158 male self-selected (First Step House) or 128 randomly selected sex-mixed (Odyssey House) patients aged 20 through 50 years with major dental needs received integrated comprehensive dental treatment. The SUD treatment outcomes for these groups were compared with those of matched 862 male or 142 sex-mixed patients, respectively, similarly treated for SUDs, but with no comprehensive oral health care (dental controls). Effects of age, primary drug of abuse, sex, and SUD treatment facility–influenced outcomes were determined with multivariate analyses.ResultsThe dental treatment versus dental control significant outcomes were hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) 3.24 (2.35 to 4.46) increase for completion of SUD treatment, and odds ratios (95% CI) at discharge were 2.44 (1.66 to 3.59) increase for employment, 2.19 (1.44 to 3.33) increase in drug abstinence, and 0.27 (0.11 to 0.68) reduction in homelessness. Identified variables did not contribute to the outcomes.Conclusions and Practical ImplicationsImprovement in SUD treatment outcomes at discharge suggests that complementary comprehensive oral health care improves SUD therapeutic results in patients with SUDs. Integrated comprehensive oral health care of major dental problems significantly improves treatment outcomes in patients whose disorders are particularly difficult to manage, such as patients with SUDs.     

Impact of motivational interviewing on early childhood caries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe authors aimed to assess the scientific evidence on motivational interviewing for the clinical reduction of early childhood caries compared with traditional dental health education.MethodsSearch terms were selected on the basis of Medical Subject Headings and non–Medical Subject Headings terms. The main key words were motivational interviewing, early childhood caries, and education. Potentially eligible studies involved the clinical assessment of caries rate in children whose parents or caregivers received motivational interviewing as an intervention. The authors assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. In March 2019, the authors performed an electronic database search of literature published in English within the following databases: Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase.ResultsOf 329 articles retrieved initially, 14 were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review and 3 articles contributed to the meta-analysis. For statistical analysis, the mean difference of continuous data was analyzed at a 95% confidence interval using the random-effects model.ConclusionsOverall, the evidence presented in this review was limited. Although the results of the meta-analysis showed that motivational interviewing is as effective as dental health education in controlling early childhood caries, we need more and better designed and reported interventions to assess its impact on early childhood caries accurately.     

The need for integrated research autopsies in the era of precision oral medicine

BackgroundAutopsy has benefited the practice of medicine for centuries; however, its use to advance the practice of oral health care is relatively limited. In the era of precision oral medicine, the research autopsy is poised to play an important role in understanding oral–systemic health, including infectious disease, autoimmunity, craniofacial genetics, and cancer.Types of Studies ReviewedThe authors reviewed relevant articles that used medical and dental research autopsies to summarize the advantages of minimally invasive autopsies of dental, oral, and craniofacial tissues and to outline practices for supporting research autopsies of the oral and craniofacial complex.ResultsThe authors provide a historical summary of research autopsy in dentistry and provide a perspective on the value of autopsies for high-resolution multiomic studies to benefit precision oral medicine. As the promise of high-resolution multiomics is being realized, there is a need to integrate the oral and craniofacial complex into the practice of autopsy in medicine. Furthermore, the collaboration of autopsy centers with researchers will accelerate the understanding of dental, oral, and craniofacial tissues as part of the whole body.ConclusionsAutopsies must integrate oral and craniofacial tissues as part of biobanking procedures. As new technologies allow for high-resolution, multimodal phenotyping of human samples, using optimized sampling procedures will allow for unprecedented understanding of common and rare dental, oral, and craniofacial diseases in the future.Practical ImplicationsThe COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the oral cavity as a site for viral infection and transmission potential; this was only discovered via clinical autopsies. The realization of the integrated autopsy’s value in full body health initiatives will benefit patients across the globe.