Project Overview

According to the World Health Organisation, oral diseases constitute the most common health issues faced by refugees. The high rate of dental disease among refugees can be linked to several factors, including the difficulty in accessing dental treatment, the expense of dental care, and the fact that dental care is typically not given priority when relocating. Studies have shown that even after resettlement, unmet dental care needs among refugees continue to cause suffering, agony, shame, and a decline in quality of life for those who have left the country. Integrating social care workers into primary care offers an opportunity to improve oral health outcomes by facilitating access, promoting prevention, and coordinating services. However,  their potential role in supporting refugee oral health in Australia remains unexplored.