Ethnic and racial considerations in dental tooth extraction: a scoping review of current findings.

Abstract

Dental extractions are among the most frequently performed procedures in dentistry. While anatomical, behavioral, and access-related factors are known to influence extraction outcomes, the role of racial and ethnic characteristics in shaping extraction techniques, preferences, and disparities has not been synthesized. This scoping review aimed to explore and map the existing evidence on how racial, ethnic factors influence dental tooth extraction. A search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar using a combination of MeSH terms and keywords related to dental extraction, race, ethnicity, anatomy, and sociocultural behavior. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A total of 15 studies were included, encompassing anthropological, clinical, forensic, public health perspectives. The review identified key racial anatomical traits (e.g., root morphology, dental arch form, bone density) that affect extraction difficulty, particularly among Caucasoid, Mongoloid, and Negroid populations. Ethnic and cultural factors-health beliefs, care-seeking behavior, and access disparities-played a role in extraction timing and technique. Provider bias, lack of diversity within the dental workforce emerged as contributing factors to inequitable care delivery. Integrating this understanding into dental education, clinical guidelines can support equitable, culturally competent care. Further research is warranted to bridge anatomical evidence with behavioral and structural determinants of extraction disparities.