Poor oral health, related quality of life, and use of dental care system among vulnerable migrants in Denmark - a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to describe the oral status, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and oral-health behaviours of vulnerable adult migrants with complex health problems.

Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study at the Section of Immigrant Medicine, Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark. We conducted clinical examinations to assess participants' number of teeth, caries, oral hygiene, and periodontal status. Participants also completed a questionnaire to evaluate OHRQoL, oral-health related behaviours (e.g. use of dental care system), and perceived barriers to access dental treatment and maintaining oral hygiene.

Results: We included 50 participants, with a mean age of 49.4 (SD 7.4) years, 82% of whom were women, and 40% were from the Middle East and North Africa. Regarding oral status, 28% of participants had a full dentition, 54% had decayed teeth, 12% had good oral hygiene, and 46% had periodontal disease. Regarding OHRQoL, 92% of participants reported that their oral health negatively impacted one or more daily activities. Around 40% of participants had visited the dentist in Denmark the previous year, and 95% reported the costs as a barrier to dental care.

Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of oral disease with a massive impact on the OHRQoL of this group of vulnerable migrants. Despite the need for essential dental treatments, participants rarely used the Danish dental care system. Our findings highlight the need for multi-sectoral interventions for this population.