Integrating social work into oral health care: a collaborative approach to achieving health equity

Background and purpose Social workers in dental education champion the inclusion of social drivers of health and advocate for the needs of vulnerable communities using anti-oppressive, psychosocial-cultural, and systems approaches. However, despite these significant contributions, social workers’ unique roles and impact in these settings remain underexplored. This study examines these professionals’ role in advancing health equity in dental education settings. Methods An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used to explore the role and integration of social work in oral health settings. Data were collected from the Social Work in Dentistry (SWID) group, a national peer network of social workers who work in oral health settings. In the study’s first phase, quantitative data were collected via survey methods ( N = 11) on their role. In the second phase of the study, one-time semi-structured interviews ( N = 6) were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of participants’ perceptions of their roles, and their contributions to health equity. Mixed methods integration occurred in developing the semi-structured interview guide from the survey results and the analysis phase. Results Social workers have multifaceted roles in dental education. Their roles included direct clinical practice (81.8%), patient care coordination (81.8%), dental education (90.9%), and supervising social work practicums (81.8%). When describing how their role contributes to health equity, the main themes that emerged were: (1) Increased access to dental care and community resources for patients, (2) educating the future dental workforce to address social drivers of health, and (3) influencing a new dental culture of practice. Conclusions and implications This study highlights the unique perspectives and skills that social workers bring to oral health. In oral health, social workers play a dynamic role, engaging in cross-system collaborations that enhance patient and student outcomes. The findings demonstrate that these professionals, in collaboration with dental providers, can play a significant role in promoting health equity, leading to improved care delivery and outcomes for communities. Furthermore, integrating social workers into oral health settings shapes a new generation of dental providers better equipped to address patients’ psychosocial needs and deliver collaborative, person-centered care.