Alexandria, VA, USA – A study aiming to engage with disadvantaged and vulnerable groups across high-and middle-income countries to explore experiences of oral health and views on oral health services was presented at the 102nd General Session of the IADR, which was held in conjunction with the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research and the 48th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research, on March 13-16, 2024, in New Orleans, LA, USA.
The abstract, “Unheard Voices on Oral Health: Qualitative Research with Disadvantaged Communities” was presented during the “Global Oral Health Inequalities Research II” Poster Session that took place on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 3:45 p.m. Central Standard Time (UTC-6).
The study, by Carol C. Guarnizo-Herreno of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, included five disadvantaged groups: homeless adults (Brazil and Nigeria), informal female workers (India), Venezuelan migrants (Colombia), adults from urban ‘slum’ communities (Colombia), and adults from communities with socioeconomic disadvantage (UK and Nigeria). Individual interviews were conducted across five settings (Brazil n=15, Colombia n=41, India n=30, Nigeria n=18, UK n=17). Focus groups were held in two settings (Brazil n=2, UK n=1). Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Themes emerged in relation to how participants defined oral health, its perceived importance, and their experiences of oral disease and dental services. ‘Good’ oral health was generally defined across all settings in relation to having white, straight teeth, and the absence of caries or pain. Many participants described experiences of ‘DIY dentistry’ due to lack of access to oral health services and the negative impact of oral pain on work and family activities. Oral health was regarded as significant in relation to aesthetics, self-esteem, speaking and eating. Both positive and negative experiences of oral health services were reported. The use of traditional treatments for oral problems was prevalent across some settings, and the influence of peers, family and community in disease prevention and treatment was evident. Participants expressed opinions regarding improved access to local, affordable, quality dental services and community advocacy for oral health.
The study concluded that there is a need to engage with and involve communities in oral research to develop policies to promote oral health, provide access to appropriate services and reduce oral health inequalities.
About IADR
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research for health and well-being worldwide. IADR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit, and private-sector institutions who share our mission. Learn more at www.iadr.org. About AADOCR
The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being. AADOCR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit, and private-sector institutions who share our mission. AADOCR is the largest division of IADR. Learn more at www.aadocr.org.