biostudies-literatureMcNeil DWNIDCR NIH HHSNational Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research619-622https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9124906biostudies-literatureUnknown101(6)The behavioral and social sciences are central to understanding and addressing oral and craniofacial health, diseases, and conditions. With both basic and applied approaches, behavioral and social sciences are relevant to every discipline in dentistry and all dental, oral, and craniofacial sciences, as well as oral health promotion programs and health care delivery. Key to understanding multilevel, interacting influences on oral health behavior and outcomes, the behavioral and social sciences focus on individuals, families, groups, cultures, systems, societies, regions, and nations. Uniquely positioned to highlight the importance of racial, cultural, and other equity in oral health, the behavioral and social sciences necessitate a focus on both individuals and groups, societal reactions toJournal of dental researchConsensus Statement on Future Directions for the Behavioral and Social Sciences in Oral Health.PMC9124906R21 DE026540R01 DE014899R01DE014899K23 DE028906R21DE026540K23DE028906McNeil DWGibson BNewton JTRandall CLKitsaras GBorrelli BBaker SBurgette JMHeaton LJMcGrath CfalseConsensus Statement on Future Directions for the Behavioral and Social Sciences in Oral Health.The behavioral and social sciences are central to understanding and addressing oral and craniofacial health, diseases, and conditions. With both basic and applied approaches, behavioral and social sciences are relevant to every discipline in dentistry and all dental, oral, and craniofacial sciences, as well as oral health promotion programs and health care delivery. Key to understanding multilevel, interacting influences on oral health behavior and outcomes, the behavioral and social sciences focus on individuals, families, groups, cultures, systems, societies, regions, and nations. Uniquely positioned to highlight the importance of racial, cultural, and other equity in oral health, the behavioral and social sciences necessitate a focus on both individuals and groups, societal reactions to2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Jun2025-04-04T21:07:41.683Z2025-04-04T21:07:41.683ZS-EPMC91249063504374210.1177/00220345211068033