The American Dental Association has many roles, but one of the main ones is advocacy on behalf of member dentists around the nation. Recently, ADA President Joseph P. Crowley and President-elect Jeffrey Cole met with U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, M.D., in Washington to discuss the state of oral health in the U.S. among other important issues.

During their meeting with the surgeon general, the ADA leaders and staff discussed the forthcoming update to the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health, announced July 31.

The report documents the progress in oral health since 2000 and articulates a cohesive vision for the future. This report is the first one crafted in nearly two decades.

Some highlights from that report include:

  • Oral health has improved for many Americans but not for all
  • Many Americans are retaining more of their natural teeth
  • Complete tooth loss among older adults is at the lowest level ever measured
  • Many younger children have less untreated tooth decay

"I am excited to see the progress that has been made since the last Surgeon General’s report," said Dr. Crowley. "There’s no question that challenges remain, and the ADA is well positioned to lead interdisciplinary efforts to meet them."

The new Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health has five main objectives:

  • Underscore the critical nature of poor oral health as a public health issue
  • Provide a comprehensive review of the importance of oral health throughout life
  • Describe important contemporary issues affecting oral health and the promise of science to transform the oral health of the nation
  • Outline a vision for future directions
  • Educate, encourage and call upon all Americans to take action

During their meeting, Dr. Crowley and Dr. Cole also thanked Dr. Adams for issuing an update on the escalating opioid crisis, Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Spotlight on Opioids. It is the latest assembly of information and resources assembled to help prevent opioid-related deaths and promote recovery from addiction.

The reality is, the opioid misuse and overdose epidemic touches nearly everyone in the U.S., placing burdens on families, workplaces, healthcare systems, law enforcement, states and communities.

The Department of Health and Human Services is attempting to tackle this crisis through a comprehensive five-point strategy focused on improving access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services; promoting use of overdose-reversing drugs; strengthening understanding of the epidemic through better public health surveillance; providing support for cutting-edge research on pain and addiction; and advancing better practices for pain management.