Critically engaging vulnerability: Rethinking oral health with vulnerabilized populations

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Sciences
• Health Equity

Background:

• The concept of "vulnerable populations" is widely used in oral health research and practice.
• Existing literature often uses "vulnerable populations" descriptively, without exploring the underlying causes or complexities.
• This approach can misrepresent populations, mask strengths and agency, and perpetuate harm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the concept of "vulnerable populations" within oral public health.
• To theorize the production and reproduction of vulnerability in this context.
• To propose solutions for more inclusive and equitable oral health research and practice.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of literature in oral health, critical public health, and disability studies.
• Theoretical critique of the label "vulnerable populations" and its implications.
• Analysis of how labels can lead to "othering" and misrepresentation.

Main Results:

• The label "vulnerable populations" conceals the social processes that create vulnerability.
• It presents populations as homogenous, ignoring individual complexities and agency.
• This conventional approach shifts focus from systemic issues to individual "deficits".

Conclusions:

• Rethinking the use of "vulnerable populations" is crucial for advancing oral health equity.
• Adopting a framework of Inclusion Oral Health requires challenging existing labels.
• Solutions include co-engagement and co-production with communities to address the complexities of vulnerability.