Indigenous oral health equity: The path forward

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Dental Hygiene
• Health Equity

Background:

• Indigenous Peoples in Canada face significant oral health disparities.
• Addressing Indigenous oral health equity (OHE) is a critical public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore current research on Indigenous OHE.
• To propose a framework and strategies for registered dental hygienists to address OHE and health disparities.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of peer-reviewed articles and grey literature published in Canada within the last 10 years.
• Literature search conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar.
• Thematic analysis of included articles.

Main Results:

• Ten articles and six grey literature publications met the inclusion criteria.
• A four-element framework was developed.

Conclusions:

• The framework includes policy changes, relationship building, workforce development, and research/education.
• Strategies can help dental hygienists provide inclusive, culturally safer care, promoting Indigenous OHE.