From pain to empowerment: Rethinking oral health as a human right in South Africa

Abstract

When we think about human rights, oral health rarely takes centre stage. Yet, the reality is that a healthy mouth is not a privilege but a fundamental component of overall wellbeing. In South Africa, where disparities in healthcare access persist, it’s time we reframe oral health as a human right – a right that empowers individuals, strengthens communities and builds a healthier nation.