Implementation of public health genomics and applications to public health dentistry

Abstract

National and state public health genomics efforts exist to effectively and responsibly translate genome‐based knowledge to improve population health and reduce health disparities. Over the past two decades, public health genomics efforts have utilized the core public health functions of assessment, policy development, and assurance. Current evidence for a small number of genomic applications suggests that many lives could be saved if these were implemented in recommended populations. With the drastic increase in new genetic tests and technologies, multidisciplinary public health genomics efforts that should include public health dentistry are of greater importance. There is a need to integrate public health dentistry in efforts to increase use of evidence‐based genomic tests and services to improve health outcomes. Additionally, public health genomic efforts also are utilized to promote awareness about the insufficient evidence of the validity, utility and ethical, legal, and social implications for the vast majority of genomic tests. This is demonstrated by a recent genetic testing policy statement and educational resources from the American Dental Association. These organizational efforts should be considered in other realms of public health genomics to ensure that only genetic tests and preventive services with sufficient evidence for use are being implemented in clinical and public health.

The social construction of genomics and genetic analysis in ocular diseases in Ibadan, South-western Nigeria

“…The analysis of genomics testing and ocular disorders shows that participants possessed very limited prior knowledge about genomics and its potential benefits in ocular sciences. Although more recent studies have expanded the discussions on the relevance of genomics science [ 14 , 16 , 18 ], little attention has been paid to how genomics could be of help in the prevention or treatment of ocular diseases. Participants in this study, having been told of the potential nexus between genomics and ocular disease, subsequently showed a keen interest in genomics and expressed their willingness to participate in genomics research.…”

“…The positive contributions of genomics have been explored in various fields. For example, Duquette [ 14 ] observed that genomics would be relevant to public health dentistry. Also, in cancer research, genomics remains the major tool for understanding mutations that predispose individuals to the disease.…”