Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the role of dental health as a component of the public health system and to identify the key factors influencing its level. The methodology consisted of a comprehensive analysis of scientific literature on the social, behavioural, and organisational determinants of dental health, as well as an anonymous online survey conducted among 113 dental practitioners and primary care physicians to assess their views on intersectoral interaction in the field of prevention. The results indicated that dental health is a critical indicator of social inequality and overall health status. In the professional assessment of respondents, 69.64% of dentists rated the impact of untreated oral diseases on general health at the maximum level (5 points), while 64.91% of primary care physicians rated it at 4 points, confirming a high level of awareness of bidirectional links. At the same time, 60.71% of dentists considered primary screening to be the exclusive competence of the dentist, whereas 57.89% of primary care physicians regarded it as part of their own practice. The use of digital technologies for patient monitoring was reported by 49.12% of primary care physicians, while 66.07% of dentists used them mainly for internal clinical processes. The main barriers to cooperation included a lack of protocols and funding (66.67%) and time constraints among colleagues (58.93%), while preventive priorities differed between socio-economic factors and low health literacy (46.43%). The practical significance of the study lies in forming an evidence base for the development of integrated preventive strategies and intersectoral protocols aimed at reducing social inequalities and improving the effectiveness of population dental health