Dietary Habits, Oral Health, and Well-being of Dental Professionals: Barriers, Opportunities, and Future Directions - A Comprehensive Review

Background: The dietary habits of healthcare professionals, particularly dentists, are frequently compromised by demanding work schedules and occupational stress. These factors contribute to poor dietary choices, irregular eating patterns, and inadequate nutrient intake, negatively impacting both general and oral health. Methods: This comprehensive review analyzed literature on dietary habits, nutrition education, work environments, and oral health outcomes among healthcare professionals, with a particular focus on dentists. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted using MeSH terms and keywords including "Dentists," "Dentistry," "Oral Health," "Diet," "Nutrition," "Nutrition Education," "Work Environ-ment," "Occupational Stress," "Physical Activity," and "Well-being." Studies published in English from 2010 to 2024 were included. Screening, quality assessment, and data extraction followed predefined criteria, and findings were narratively synthesized. Results: Of 617 articles screened, 27 met inclusion criteria. The findings demonstrate that occupational stress and poor workplace environments contribute to unhealthy dietary behaviors, which are linked to increased risks of oral disease, burnout, and poor overall well-being. Conversely, balanced nutrition, structured wellness routines, and interprofessional education were associated with improved oral and systemic health outcomes, including better oral hygiene, lower BMI, improved cardiometabolic markers, and enhanced mental health. Conclusions: Systemic integration of nutrition education into dental training, institutional policies promoting healthy workplace environments, and interprofessional collaboration are essential to support dentists’ well-being and clinical practice. Targeted interventions addressing the specific challenges of dental professionals, particularly those related to shift work and stress, are needed. Further longitudinal and interventional research is required to guide evidence-based strategies that improve both personal health and professional performance in dental practice.