Oral health is a key indicator of overall well-being, yet disparities in access, treatment outcomes, and preventive care persist across racial, economic, geographic, and social lines. Health equity research in dentistry focuses on understandingand eliminatingthese inequities, making it one of the most impactful and rapidly growing career paths in oral health.
For dental professionals, public health researchers, or anyone passionate about social justice in healthcare, a career in dental health equity research offers an opportunity to create systemic change and improve lives at the community, national, and global levels.
At McLevin Dental, we believe that every person deserves quality oral careregardless of background, income, or location. In this blog, we explore what dental health equity research entails, the pathways to get involved, and the skills needed to make a lasting difference in this crucial field.
What Is Health Equity Research in Dentistry?
Health equity research in dentistry is the study of systemic barriers and social determinants that contribute to unequal oral health outcomes across populations. It includes evaluating disparities in access to care, insurance coverage, provider availability, health literacy, and outcomes among underserved or marginalized groups.
Key areas of focus include:
Access to preventive and restorative dental care
Racial and ethnic disparities in oral disease prevalence
Impact of socioeconomic status on oral health
Oral care in Indigenous, rural, immigrant, and disabled populations
Dental workforce distribution and policy impact
Cultural competence and bias in dental education and practice
Why This Field Matters
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases among childrenyet disproportionately affects low-income and racialized communities.
Many Canadians still lack access to basic dental care due to cost, location, or cultural barriers.
Marginalized populations face higher rates of oral cancer, periodontal disease, and untreated dental infections.
Programs like the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) are attempting to close these gaps, but researchers are needed to measure impact and guide policy.
Career Pathways in Dental Health Equity Research
Academic Researcher (University-Based)
Conduct studies on disparities in oral health, develop grant-funded projects, and publish research that shapes public policy and dental education.
Common roles: Assistant Professor, Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow
Requirements:
DDS/DMD, RDH, or MPH (Master of Public Health)
Research training (PhD, DrPH, or MSc in Epidemiology or Health Policy often required)
Experience with data analysis, academic publishing, and grant writing
Public Health Researcher
Work with health departments or government bodies to develop, implement, and evaluate oral health initiatives focused on equity.
Common roles: Oral Health Epidemiologist, Program Evaluator, Health Policy Analyst
Requirements:
MPH or MHA (Master of Health Administration) with oral health focus
Strong data collection and community engagement skills
Nonprofit and NGO Research Specialist
Support NGOs and advocacy groups working to expand access to dental care for vulnerable populations.
Common roles: Research Coordinator, Equity Program Manager, Community Impact Analyst
Requirements:
Background in health or social sciences
Experience with qualitative research and community engagement
Think Tank or Policy Institute Researcher
Contribute to national or provincial policy recommendations by analyzing systemic issues in access and funding.
Common roles: Policy Researcher, Health Equity Fellow
Requirements:
Public health, political science, or economics background
Strong writing and presentation skills
Clinical Researcher in Community Clinics or DSOs
Study treatment trends and patient outcomes among underserved populations within large practice networks or nonprofit clinics.
Common roles: Clinical Research Coordinator, Quality Improvement Analyst
Requirements:
Dental or hygiene license with research training or interest
Knowledge of EMR data and clinical protocols
Key Skills for Success in Dental Health Equity Research
Data Analysis: Ability to work with survey data, epidemiological databases, and statistical tools (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R)
Cultural Competence: Understanding and respect for diverse cultures, languages, and health beliefs
Community Engagement: Comfort working with populations experiencing homelessness, poverty, or immigration challenges
Policy Literacy: Knowledge of dental insurance programs like CDCP, public health funding, and oral health regulations
Writing & Communication: Ability to write grant proposals, academic papers, and plain-language reports
Ethics & Compliance: Understanding of research ethics, informed consent, and community-based participatory research (CBPR)
How to Start Your Career in Dental Health Equity Research
Begin with Clinical or Public Health Experience
Work in community dental clinics, mobile dental programs, or public health departments
Volunteer with organizations like the Canadian Dental Association or community outreach groups
Pursue Advanced Education
Consider degrees in:
Public Health (MPH) with a dental health specialization
Epidemiology or Biostatistics
Health Policy or Health Equity-focused PhD or DrPH
Community Health Sciences or Sociology with a focus on health disparities
Gain Research Experience
Apply for research assistant or coordinator roles in universities or dental schools
Join faculty-led research projects focused on vulnerable populations
Conduct community surveys or oral health assessments in collaboration with local programs
Build a Portfolio of Publications or Presentations
Present findings at conferences like IADR (International Association for Dental Research) or CAPHD (Canadian Association of Public Health Dentistry)
Submit articles to journals such as Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology or the Journal of Dental Research
Develop infographics or blog posts that translate data into public-facing content
Stay Connected to Industry Trends and Policy
Follow updates on the Canadian Dental Care Plan and other public health initiatives
Join health equity and dental research groups on LinkedIn
Attend events hosted by the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA), WHO Oral Health Program, or FDI World Dental Federation
Real-World Examples of Impactful Research
Studies showing the benefits of school-based sealant programs in low-income communities
Evaluation of the CDCPs first-year impact on adult dental access
Research into oral health literacy and barriers to care among newcomer families in Canada
Analysis of fluoridation policy outcomes in rural and Indigenous communities
Long-Term Career Outlook
With a growing emphasis on health equity and an increasing number of public dental programs (including CDCP), demand for researchers who understand oral health systems and disparities is set to rise.
Career paths may lead to:
Tenure-track faculty roles in public health or dental schools
Senior roles in health policy development and government agencies
Executive leadership in nonprofit organizations focused on access to care
International work with the WHO, FDI, or global health alliances
Conclusion
A career in dental health equity research offers more than professional fulfillmentit offers the chance to correct long-standing injustices and build healthier, more inclusive communities. By combining clinical insight, research skills, and a passion for advocacy, professionals in this field can help close the gap in oral health outcomes and ensure every smile has a fair shot at care.
At McLevin Dental, we stand behind equity in care, education, and access. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to shift your focus toward impact-driven work, now is the perfect time to invest your skills where they matter mostin research that leads to real, lasting change.