Susan Cote, RDH, MS¹, Paul Geltman, MD, MPH², Martha Nunn, DDS, PhD³, Kathy M. Lituri, RDH, MPH³, Michelle Henshaw, DMD, MPH⁴, and Raul Garcia, DMD, MMedSc⁵. (1) Dental Services of Massachusetts, 465 Medford Street, Boston, MA 02129, 617 886 -1088, scote@deltadentalma.com, (2) Boston Medical Center, Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights, Boston University School of Medicine, 60 E Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, (3) Department of Health Policy and Health Services Research, Boston University School of Dental Medicine, 715 Albany Street, 560, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02118, (4) Department of Health Policy and Health Services Research, Boston University School of Dental Medicine, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118-2526, (5) Northeast Center for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities, Boston University, Goldman School of Dental Medcine, 715 Albany Street, 560, 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02118-2526

Refugees frequently arrive in the U.S. with dental problems. Many have never had dental care with the majority never exposed to common preventive measures such as fluoridated toothpaste or water. This study reports clinical findings for newly arrived refugees ( =>17 years), seen by the Program for Refugee Oral Health, an oral health screening and education program of the Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights, at Boston Medical Center. Data for the last dental visit, personal care, and findings from an oral exam were collected. 718 refugees ranging from 17 to 88 years were screened (mean age=32.4 years) representing over 50 countries and 20 languages. 50% were from Africa and 22% from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. 45% of the newly arrived refugees had never been to the dentist with 13% requiring urgent care within 24 hours. Of the 66% with caries experience, 44% presented with untreated caries. 91% had gingival inflammation and 88% presented with calculus. Eastern Europeans visited the dentist 10.4 times more frequently than Africans. Furthermore, Eastern Europeans were 8.1 times more likely to present with caries experience compared to Africans. Oral health problems are highly prevalent among most refugees, particularly Eastern Europeans, and are compounded by lack of care and preventive practices. Africans have a markedly lower prevalence of caries, despite lesser prior access to dental care. Supported by NIDCR grants K24 DE00419, K23 DE00454 and Dental Services of Massachusetts, Oral Health Foundation.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Refugees, Oral Health Needs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.