Exploring the role of law in preventing non-communicable diseases
Non-communicable diseases are a major public health concern of our time. Oral non-communicable diseases, including dental caries, are the most prevalent non-communicable diseases globally, with 2 billion people suffering from the disease in their permanent teeth and 500 million children suffering from the disease in their primary teeth. Dental caries is behavioural in nature, as the consumption of (free) sugars is the single driver of the disease, while other factors, including dental hygiene and dental care attendance, mitigate its effect. This highlights the potential for population-level measures addressing these behavioural risk factors, particularly in the context of food environments, and, thereby, the potential of law in (oral) non-communicable disease prevention strategies: laws are particularly effective tools to address risk factors for non-communicable disease and promote good health, as they structure society and thereby establish the conditions for both good and poor (oral) health.
This dissertation explores the role of law in preventing non-communicable diseases, including dental caries in children. It studies the relevant law in a broad sense, transcending the boundaries of legal orders – covering international law, European Union law, as well as some domestic and local law – and extending beyond legal regimes – covering multiple areas of law including human rights law, trade-related laws, food law and public health law. Although the research conducted is largely legal, the dissertation aims to speak to a broad audience: it should serve as an invitation to academics, advocates, and practitioners in the disciplines of law, oral health, and public health to join forces.