Oral Health and Hospital Infections: A Scope Review of the Performance of Dentists in Intensive Care Units

Oral health plays a crucial role in preventing hospital-acquired infections, particularly among critically ill patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs). In these environments, the oral cavity may act as a reservoir for pathogenic microorganisms capable of triggering systemic infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and sepsis.

This study aimed to analyze the available scientific evidence on the role of dentists in preventing hospital infections in ICU patients and to evaluate the impact of hospital dentistry interventions on clinical outcomes.

This scoping review was conducted based on a search of PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases, following the steps of identification, screening, and eligibility of studies. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were reviewed by two independent reviewers, with a third reviewer resolving disagreements. Ten studies were selected, ranging from observational evaluations to clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies, involving hospitalized adult, pediatric, and convalescent patients.

The included studies showed that dental interventions were associated with reduced respiratory infections, especially ventilator-associated pneumonia, along with lower systemic complications and hospital mortality.

The evidence highlights the importance of integrating dentists into multidisciplinary ICU teams to strengthen infection prevention strategies and improve patient safety through structured oral health protocols.

The inclusion of dentists in ICUs is essential for preventing hospital infections and improving clinical outcomes, reinforcing the need for standardized protocols, specialized training, and public policies supporting hospital dentistry.