Medical-Dental-Behavioral Integration: Embracing Whole-Person Health in Research and Practice

This editorial describes the 9 articles in this supplement that emphasize and support establishing and maintaining integrated health care systems that address all aspects of a person’s health, given the complex links between oral, behavioral, and systemic health. The 9 articles in this supplement represent original data collection from clinical and big data studies, a theoretical discussion of the implementation of medical-dental-behavioral integration models, and a scoping review of the links between oral health and one health. These articles involve providers representing oral health care, primary care, nursing, behavioral health, and other health care providers in the delivery of integrated, whole-person care. This editorial discusses barriers and opportunities that emerge when we understand overall health as a complex interplay of factors, including individual, emotional, social, and environmental. The articles described briefly in this editorial provide strong evidence for the importance, feasibility, and necessity of integrated health care and concept of overall health. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The goal of this editorial and following supplement articles is to present different perspectives on the implementation of medical-dental-behavioral integration to provide comprehensive, whole-person care. Through a discussion of barriers to and opportunities that emerge from this type of integrated care, this editorial and supplement provide strong evidence for the importance, feasibility, and necessity of integrated health care and concept of overall health.