Mariana Delgado
Oral health as an agent of social transformation: breaking cycles of poverty through preventive and accessible intervention
- Currently a Advisor at the Office of the Secretary of State for Social Action and Inclusion.
- Holds a degree in Social Work from UCP Lisbon, an MBA from AESE Business School.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development from Nova SBE.
- Brings several years of experience in the third sector, followed by a role as Advisor to the City Councillor for Human and Social Rights at CML.
Nationality: Portugal
Scientific areas: In Our Agenda (Oral Health as an Agent of Social Transformation)
8 of november, from 14h30 until 16h00
Innovation Box
Conference summary
Oral health is a fundamental tool in breaking cycles of poverty, promoting self-esteem, quality of life, and, above all, social inclusion.
Currently, oral healthcare is not accessible to all and, as it is predominantly provided within the private sector, a large portion of the population remains vulnerable to severe oral health problems.
These issues have a direct impact on absenteeism rates in both the workplace and schools, as well as on access to the labour market. This situation increases existing inequalities, placing socioeconomically disadvantaged populations at risk of extreme poverty.
Prevention, combined with accessibility, is essential for oral health to truly play a decisive role in combating poverty and social inequality.