According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral health refers to “ the state of the mouth, teeth and orofacial structures that enables individuals to perform essential functions such as eating, breathing and speaking, and encompasses psychosocial dimensions such as self-confidence, well-being and the ability to socialize and work without pain, discomfort and embarrassment”. 

Oral health is an essential component of one's overall health, yet disparities in access to care contribute to significant inequities, particularly among visible minority populations in Canada. 

Visible Minorities in Canada

Using the Employment Equity Act, visible minorities in Canada are defined as individuals who are non-white and non-Indigenous. These populations include South Asians, Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, Africans, Arabs and Latin Americans (Statistics Canada, 2022). 

As the population of visible minorities continues to rise in Canada due to ongoing immigration and refugee policies, examining their oral health is crucial to understanding and addressing potential disparities, promoting oral health equity, and informing culturally responsive policies and practices. 

Common Barriers 

Evidence suggests that visible minorities in Canada often face a poorer oral health status, a trend observed in both children and adults. There are common barriers that make oral health inaccessible to visible minorities: 

Financial barriers and a lack of insurance 

Often, immigrants and refugees come to Canada with limited financial means and resources, and are more likely to have low-wage jobs without dental benefits.

Overwhelmingly, dental care in Canada is privatized or typically attainable through insurance. Those of lower socioeconomic status often find dental care inaccessible, leading to fewer dental care visits and higher rates of untreated dental care needs. Consequently, visible minorities face disproportionate oral health challenges. 

Cultural barriers

Immigrants and refugees can have varying cultural and traditional beliefs surrounding oral health care, pain and treatment. Some groups may prioritize traditional remedies or treatments and delay Western treatment until their oral health or their pain is severe.  

Additionally, there can be contrasting beliefs between Canadian oral healthcare and their traditional beliefs that can make them mistrust oral healthcare or contribute to gaps in oral health literacy. 

Language barriers 

Language barriers can hinder communication between patients and oral healthcare professionals. This can cause misunderstandings around treatment options and preventive practices. 

A lack of oral health literacy or knowledge 

Individuals with a limited understanding of the importance of oral health or preventive practices are less likely to engage in oral hygiene habits or seek timely care. This can also affect adherence to treatment plans and oral health care advice. 

Psychosocial barriers 

Factors such as dental anxiety, fear of pain, and past experiences with dental care providers may discourage individuals from seeking care. Additionally, experiences of stigma or discrimination within healthcare settings can further diminish their motivation to trust in oral health services. 

These barriers can lead to poorer oral health status, higher rates of dental caries and untreated dental disease, lower access and utilization of dental care or preventive services, and lead to broader inequities. 

Our Goal 

Our goal at the Microbe-Host Dynamics Lab is to provide a comprehensive map of the Canadian literature on 

1) the oral health status and prevalence of oral disease, 

2) access to care among visible minorities. 

By providing a focus on Canadian literature, we hope to provide a deeper understanding of the visible minority experience and demonstrate a need for further research, better public health policies and culturally competent oral health professionals.