Attitudes towards the role of sports dentistry in high-performance teams: A panel discussion

Sports dentistry is an emerging area within Sports Medicine that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and management of oral pathologies in the athletic population. It is not yet a formally recognised subspecialty; however, it is seeking to gain wider acceptance within the context of sports medicine. Oral health is increasingly being linked to overall athlete well-being and performance. The role of the sports dentist encompasses a broad range of oral pathologies that may present in athletes, including oral trauma, periodontal disease, and temporomandibular disorders. Within a high-performance setting, the role of the sports dentist may become integral in the prevention, management and reduction of time-loss due to avoidable dental pathologies. In South Africa, the establishment of the South African Sports Dentistry Association highlights the growing momentum to formalise the field and embed it within the broader high-performance network. Sports dentistry is an evolving field with the potential to enhance player welfare, safety and longevity.