Oral Health Status of Immigrant and Refugee Children in North America: A Scoping Review
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess the oral health of the children of refugees and immigrants (“newcomers”). We also seek to understand the barriers to appropriate oral health care and use of dental services. Finally, we look into clinical and behavioural interventions for this population in North America. In general, children of newcomers exhibit poorer oral health compared with their non-newcomer peers. This population faces language, cultural and financial barriers that, consequently, limit their access to and use of dental services. Intervention programs, such as educational courses and counseling, targeting newcomer parents or their children are helpful in improving the oral health status of immigrant children. The disparity in dental caries between children of newcomers and their peers can be reduced by improving their parents’ literacy in the official language(s) and educating parents regarding good oral health practices. An appropriate oral health policy remains crucial for marginalized populations in general and newcomer children in particular.
Notes
Location
North America (some of the studies reviewed are on newcomer children in Alberta)
Key recommendations
Educational programs for parents in their official language on good oral health practices; school-based programs for children; and provision of affordable/free dental care
Key populations
Published research from 2007 to September 2014 on newcomer children in North America
Key findings
This literature-based study shows that children of newcomers have poorer oral health than non-newcomers. They are vulnerable to poor oral health due to language incompetency, financial issues, and limited access to dental services in receiving countries.
Gaps identified
Children of newcomers are in urgent need of dental care, as they are at higher risk of poor dental health compared with the children of non-newcomers
Community organizations
NA
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA
Open-access – Yes
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