Beyond finance: Overcoming barriers to oral health care for immigrant children

This study evaluated the effectiveness of community referrals to complimentary oral care services in improving access to care for immigrant children in Canada. It also explored financial and non-financial factors influencing parental adherence to their children's oral care referrals.

Data from 610 parent-child pairs, including demographics and oral health behaviours of children aged 1 to 12 years, were analyzed. Oral health examinations were conducted at a community site, and 151 children needing treatment were referred to a university dental clinic. Univariate analyses and backward stepwise logistic regression identified factors associated with attending at least one oral care appointment.

Among the 151 referred children (average age: 6 years), 48% were girls and 40% were born in Canada. Only 42% had visited a dentist in the past year and only 36% had dental coverage. Oral health behaviours varied; 40% brushed their teeth once or less daily and 46% consumed at least one sugary snack per day. Approximately 66% of mothers had college education or higher. Despite the offer of complimentary care, attendance at referred appointments was 38%, with higher attendance among girls (p = 0.025).

Despite the elimination of financial barriers to oral care, attendance at appointments remained low, emphasizing the role of non-financial factors, including the unique social and cultural challenges encountered by immigrants, in accessing oral health care. Higher attendance among girls suggests gendered parental perceptions of oral health care. Addressing these factors requires culturally tailored outreach and improved provider-family communication.

Financial support alone is insufficient to improve access to oral care for immigrant children. A multidimensional approach addressing both financial and non-financial barriers is essential to enhance oral health care utilization.