Mapping Evidence on Implementation Research in Oral Health: A Global Scoping Review Protocol

Oral health is a vital component of overall health, yet oral diseases remain widespread, affecting about 3.7 billion people globally. Major contributors to this burden include periodontitis, tooth loss, and oral cancers, with untreated dental caries being the most common condition. Despite progress in preventive and clinical innovations, the global oral disease burden has not declined proportionately, reflecting a persistent evidence–practice gap where effective interventions fail to reach routine practice at scale. This scoping review will explore the existing implementation research in oral health across healthcare and community settings worldwide. It will focus on: 1. Strategies used to implement oral health interventions 2. Populations and settings studied 3. Theoretical frameworks applied 4. Barriers and facilitators to implementation The review will follow JBI methodology, using a three-step search strategy across databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase) and grey literature sources (WHO, CDC, government/NGO reports, theses). No date limits will be applied. Screening will be conducted in Rayyan.ai, and full-text analysis in JBI SUMARI, with data extracted using a structured tool. Findings will be presented through evidence tables, narrative synthesis, and thematic mapping, offering the first comprehensive synthesis of strategies, frameworks, and contextual factors shaping the adoption and sustainability of oral health interventions.