Dental Professionals in the Triad of Rehabilitation, Nutrition Support, and Oral Management: a Pathway to Enhanced Oral Health Strategies
摘要
This review aims to explore the integration of rehabilitation, nutrition support, and oral management—referred to as the "triad approach"—and highlight its role in improving patient outcomes in diverse healthcare settings. By emphasizing the interconnections among these components, we seek to define the pivotal role of dental professionals in this multidisciplinary strategy.
Recent FindingsEmerging evidence underscores the efficacy of the triad approach in enhancing functional recovery, nutritional intake, and oral health outcomes. Recent policy advancements, such as Japan’s "Honehuto no Hōshin 2023" and the 2024 medical fee revision, explicitly promote collaboration among rehabilitation, nutrition, and oral management, incentivizing integrated care in acute and rehabilitative settings. Studies demonstrate that this approach improves activities of daily living, reduces pneumonia incidence, and enhances swallowing function in dysphagic patients.
SummaryThe triad approach provides a holistic framework for addressing the multifaceted needs of patients, particularly older adults and those recovering from medical conditions such as stroke. Dental professionals play a critical role in implementing oral management strategies that complement rehabilitation and nutrition interventions. This integration has the potential to advance patient care through improved health outcomes, reduced complications, and greater overall quality of life.