Enhancing Oral Health Integration in Primary Care: A Systematic Review of Health and Dental Assistant Contributions in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Oral health is an integral part of overall health and well-being, yet its integration into primary care remains a challenge in many countries, including Saudi Arabia. Health and dental assistants play a crucial role in supporting oral health promotion and disease prevention in primary care settings. This systematic review aims to synthesize the evidence on the contributions of health and dental assistants in enhancing oral health integration in primary care in Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published between 2010 and 2024. The search terms included "oral health," "primary care," "health assistants," "dental assistants," "Saudi Arabia," and related synonyms. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). A total of 12 studies (7 quantitative, 3 qualitative, and 2 mixed-methods) met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that health and dental assistants in Saudi Arabia perform a range of tasks and activities that contribute to oral health integration in primary care, such as oral health education, screening, referral, and assistance with preventive and basic restorative procedures. The key enablers of their contributions include interprofessional collaboration, training and competency development, supportive policies and protocols, and patient engagement and empowerment. The main challenges include limited oral health knowledge and skills, inadequate resources and infrastructure, lack of clear role delineation, and cultural and linguistic barriers. The review highlights the need for policy and practice initiatives to optimize the utilization and integration of health and dental assistants in primary care, and to ensure their competency and effectiveness in promoting oral health. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of health and dental assistant interventions on oral health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and healthcare costs in diverse primary care settings in Saudi Arabia.