A Model Pathway to Oral Health Care for Homeless People

This study aimed at developing a model pathway to use of oral health care by homeless people based on their own perceptions and experiences with oral health care and related services in Vancouver.

We applied Gelberg-Andresen's behavioural model for vulnerable populations to predict health care use and interviewed 25 homeless adults (18 men and 7 women; age range 25-64 years) to develop a model pathway of care. Data collection and thematic analysis were carried out concurrently and iteratively to construct the pathway, which aimed at mutual decision-making and organization of the care process.

Thematic analysis identified 4 main themes: government-sponsored oral health programs, homeless support, oral health outreach initiatives and professional education.

The model pathway helps to explain the factors that enable homeless people to access oral health care. It may also help dental teams foster positive care-seeking behaviour relevant to this vulnerable population so that oral disorders can be managed more sympathetically and effectively.