Understanding the oral health needs of government assisted refugees

This research examines the oral health needs of Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) living in the communities of Burnaby, Langley and Surrey British Columbia. This secondary data analysis examined access and barriers to dental care, utilization of dental services, dental health practices, self-report and professional assessment of treatment needs and oral health outcomes, by refugee camp status and gender. Interview questions and clinical protocol were those utilized in the Canadian Health Measures Survey, the Inuit Oral Health Survey and the First Nations Oral Health Survey. Results indicate that GARs have high debris, calculus, gingivitis scores and a DMFT score that all suggest a significant unmet oral health need and lack of access to dental services. With limited dental insurance through the Interim Federal Health Program, these findings suggest that an inequality in oral health needs for GARs may exist. Future research should seek to further examine this important public health issue.