Whose Knowledge Counts? Considering Gender, Sexuality, and Race in Description, Prediction, and Causal Inference in Oral Epidemiology

This commentary examines how the systematic exclusion of voices across gender, sexuality, and race shapes oral epidemiology to serve the interests of a few powerful groups. Focusing on the core functions of the field, including description of disease patterns, prediction of outcomes, and causal inference, we elaborate on empirical examples to argue for a reorientation of oral epidemiology. We advocate for an approach that centers reflexivity, applies intersectional analyses, and embeds inclusive governance across all stages of knowledge production to advance more equitable oral health outcomes.