03 August 2023

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Oral health as a refugee health right

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The global forced displacement crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with millions of individuals being uprooted from their homes due to various factors such as persecution, armed conflict, and natural disasters. Among these displaced populations, refugees represent a particularly vulnerable and marginalized group, often facing significant barriers in accessing health care, including oral health services.

In an editorial published July 27, 2023, in the International Dental Journal, researchers said the delivery of health interventions in conflict settings is often hindered by numerous challenges, including limited resources, population displacement and a shortage of skilled health care professionals.

The authors highlight the urgent need to prioritize and promote oral health for refugees, especially refugee women and children, and call upon policymakers, health care providers, and related organizations to integrate oral health into existing and future primary health care systems for refugees.

Refugees’ fundamental right to health and health care, including oral health, is affirmed by international conventions and treaties.

Oral health is a crucial component of overall health and well-being, yet oral health is often neglected in the primary health packet for refugee populations. Refugees are entitled to access health care, including oral health, by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.

However, studies have consistently shown that refugees experience higher rates of oral diseases and encounter difficulties in accessing oral health services compared to the most underprivileged populations in host countries.

Dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral soft tissue lesions and traumatic dental injuries are prevalent issues amongst refugees, but refugees may seek oral health care only when they experience pain as they face multiple barriers to access timely and affordable oral health care, including language and cultural barriers, financial constraints, trust issues, and provider availability.

Read more in the editorial. 

Elham Kateeb, Hyewon Lee, "Oral Health as a Refugee Health Right," International Dental Journal, 2023, ISSN 0020-6539, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2023.06.013.