title: Enhancing pharmacists' role as oral health advisors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the expanded role of pharmacists as oral health advisors.
  
  
  METHODS
  U.S. community pharmacies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Counseling patients on issues related to oral health.
  
  
  METHODS
  The traditional role of pharmacists (i.e., dispensing medications) has evolved to include a broader range of functions associated with primary health care. Pharmacists are important members of the health care team and have an important role in addressing oral health-related problems. The pharmacist role in addressing oral health issues in the United States should be expanded.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Studies are needed to examine the extent of pharmacist training in oral health, the degree to which pharmacists who receive oral health training incorporate it into their practices, and pharmacist interest in relevant continuing education. Data gathered from such studies will be invaluable in developing appropriate training standards, model curricula, and clinical best practices.
authors.affiliation: Dental Public Health, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, 650 West Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. lacohen@umaryland.edu
authors.forename: Leonard A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D003479:Curriculum; D004513:Education, Pharmacy, Continuing / Q000379:methods; D006267:Health Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009909:Oral Health; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D024382:Professional Role; D014481:United States