Digital Public Health: The Way Forward
摘要
We live in an era where the world’s population is interconnected, with information, communication, and technology (ICT) playing a vital role in our daily lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the benefits of digital advancements across various sectors and activities. Public health, in particular, is an information-intensive field, relying heavily on timely, accurate, and credible data to function effectively. The rapid integration of digital technologies into public health has ushered in a transformative era of “Digital Public Health,” including digital oral health emerging as a critical focus. Digital public health harnesses tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, telehealth, and mobile health (mHealth) to enhance disease prevention, health promotion, and equitable access to healthcare services. Telemedicine, tele-dentistry, AI-driven diagnostics, and smart care devices offer scalable solutions for both urban and remote populations, enabling early identification and management of diseases. Furthermore, digital platforms empower public health campaigns targeting behavioral change, awareness, and dietary improvements. However, these advancements raise concerns regarding privacy, data security, and equitable access, particularly in underserved communities. This chapter highlights the importance of digital public health, emphasizing its potential to bridge gaps in care, enhance prevention strategies, and ultimately contribute to global health equity. Future efforts should prioritize interdisciplinary collaboration, policy frameworks, and digital literacy to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth in this transformative field.