Think, Act Locally…and Globally

Oral health care is no longer only the concern of a dentist or specialist about his or her patients.  It’s now something much bigger –– a global concern that will require the attention and action among all oral health care professionals.

That was the message to University of Michigan School of Dentistry graduates at commencement ceremonies at Hill Auditorium in May from a U-M professor who has spent his life researching the health of groups of individuals around the world.

Dr. Sandro Galea, director of the Center for Global Health and a professor of epidemiology at the School of public Health, told graduates, “Oral health is inextricably linked to all other aspects of health…and you will play a central role in promoting oral health in the 21^st century.”

Also a research professor at the U-M Institute for Social Research, Galea told graduates “the well being of each and every one of us in this auditorium is increasingly dependent on the welfare of others around the world.”

Citing advances in global investment, trade, and technology that have improved the lives of millions worldwide, Galea said these forces have also led to greater disparities in health in general and oral health in particular.  Saying the world is becoming smaller and even more interconnected, he said, “globalization is unstoppable.” 

Describing the relationship between oral health and development as “complex,” Galea said “the best estimates are that three in four people throughout the world do not have access to adequate oral health care.”

He urged graduates to get involved in addressing disparities “because as health care providers we have a moral imperative to reduce human suffering.  Your training has given you knowledge and ability to make life better for people from all walks of life.”

Beyond ethical obligations, Galea said the goal of improving the oral health of people worldwide “is motivated by the interdependence between all countries.  Better health for one nation is better health for everybody.”

Telling students they were finishing their studies “at one of the best dental schools in the world,” Galea said he hoped all graduates would be involved in global health “as a health professional and as a citizen of the world.”