What is it about?

The study describes the actions taken by refugees and asylum seekers in Montreal, Canada who needed dental care. This city receives the second highest number of this population that arrive in Canada each year. The study highlights the dental care challenges faced by this population and their appraisal of the dental care system in Canada. Although the study was carried out in Montreal, the results would be similar for refugees and asylum seekers residing in other parts of Canada.

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Why is it important?

Every year, over 25,000 people who have fled their home countries seek protection in Canada. This population faces important health challenges upon arrival. However, their oral health is often not given much attention although oral diseases can significantly limit regular daily activities. It is therefore, important for the government and other stakeholders to not overlook this very important health component of this population.

Perspectives

This is one of a series of publications from my research project that is intended to guide the actions of stakeholders in the oral health of refugees and asylum seekers in Canada: government, dental professionals, dental training facilities, community organizations, non-profit organizations, donors and funding agencies, and dental industry. I am hoping that the publications will contribute in ensuring refugees and asylum seekers enjoy optimal oral health.

Mark Keboa
McGill University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Oral healthcare experiences of humanitarian migrants in Montreal, Canada, Can J Public Health, March 2019, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.17269/s41997-019-00193-5.
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