Developing a Multilayer Framework for Integrating Oral Health into General Health: A Scoping Review from Oral Healthcare Workers' Perspectives.

Abstract

<b>Background</b>: Oral healthcare workers play a pivotal role in exploring the significant potential of integrating oral healthcare with overall health within a healthcare system. This review aims to identify the main barriers and facilitators to integrating oral health into primary and general healthcare from the perspectives of oral healthcare professionals. <b>Methods</b>: The study adhered to the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework for scoping reviews. Five main databases were systematically searched, namely Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Embase, spanning from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2024. The Rainbow Model served as the framework for content analysis, organizing the advantages, disadvantages, barriers, and facilitators into micro, meso, and macro levels. <b>Results</b>: Five integration domains were identified across macro, meso, and micro levels, illustrating how oral health can be systematically embedded within general health through the utilization of oral healthcare professionals. These domains encompassed chronic disease management (screening, counseling, and referral), emergency management, electronic health records, interprofessional education, and tele-dentistry, highlighting policy, organizational, and workforce levers for strengthening care integration, enhancing system efficiency, and improving access and equity. <b>Conclusions</b>: This scoping review synthesizes five integration domains and four cross-cutting strategic directions for embedding oral health within broader healthcare systems. By conceptualizing integration across macro, meso, and micro levels, the study provides a structured framework that may serve as a reference for policymakers, educators, and health service leaders. The findings highlight potential enablers, such as coordinated governance, workforce development, digital infrastructure, and community engagement, which could support integration.