Disability and oral health in association of south east Asians - A survey for conceptualisation and development

Background All member states in the Association of South East Asians (ASEAN) are ratified signatories of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. However, disability and oral health (DOH) can be an elusive ambition for developing nations. Objectives This survey aims to conceptualise ‘barriers’, ‘improvements’, ‘challenges in dental practice’, and ‘ways to collaborate’, to inform policy development for DOH within ASEAN. Methods The survey employed a novel quasi-qualitative design. It was electronically distributed to dentists with DOH specialty training in ASEAN within the International Association of Disability and Oral Health’s network from September 2018 to June 2020. The ‘barriers’ and ‘improvements’ would be categorised into five dimensions of healthcare - a framework by Levesque and colleagues (2013). Results 21 valid responses were received from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. From the care provider’s perspective, adequate training (appropriateness) was most prioritised. From the patient’s aspect, low oral health literacy (ability to perceive) was the most significant. ‘Social perception’ was collectively ranked as the key ‘challenge in dental practices’. Suggested ‘ways to collaborate’ could be categorised into five areas: engagement; advocacy; policies; specialty, and; upskilling. Conclusions The findings suggest an urgent need to address low oral health prioritisation, a drive to upskill providers, a challenge of ‘social perceptions’, and a consensual appeal for state-level support. A multi-sector collaboration is needed to align current strategies in order to achieve equity for DOH in ASEAN.