Resumen

ADAM, RZ et al. Oral Health and Sustainable Development Goals: Opportunities for interdisciplinary research at a dental school in South Africa. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2026, vol.81, n.2, pp.99-103. ISSN 0375-1562.  https://doi.org/10.17159/sadj.v81i02.25148.

INTRODUCTION: Oral health continues to be a neglected public health challenge, and is often perceived as a privilege rather than a fundamental right for most of the population. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) create a foundation for a sustainable future for all, encompassing various fields, including the role of oral health in the human population. Dental research and education are crucial in undertaking challenges associated with promoting a sustainable future for the South African population. This effort requires support by interdisciplinary collaboration with relevant stakeholders across disciplines. Higher education institutions, such as the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of the Western Cape play a pivotal role in advancing SDG research by fostering innovation, cultivating interdisciplinary collaboration, and equipping future professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex sustainability challenges, ultimately contributing to improved oral health outcomes and overall well-being for the South African population. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the project was to identify opportunities for interdisciplinary research at a dental school to further sustainable development goals. DESIGN: A quantitative approach was used. A retrospective records based study was conducted. METHODS: All DHET approved publications from the Faculty of Dentistry, UWC for the period 2013-2023 were analysed. The quantitative data generated through the SDG mapper were tabulated and visualized using simple bar charts and graphs. These visual tools facilitated a comparison between the research output's alignment with the SDG framework and South Africa's Decadal Plan, providing insights into both global and national contributions to sustainable development. Key performance indicators (KPIs) were also developed to measure the extent of the research's alignment with the SDGs. RESULTS: The analysis reveals that research conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, UWC contributes to the following SDGs: SDG 3 (Good health and Well-being) , SDG 4 (Quality Education),SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure),SDG,16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Although the research was linked to a range of SDG goals, the research was conducted by Dentistry staff and so, it suggests that there is opportunity to develop multidisciplinary research. Mechanisms which allow for collaboration across disciplines should be explored.

Palabras clave : Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Oral Health; Interdisciplinary Research; Dental Education; Innovation in Dentistry.

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