Experiences of oral health care among immigrants from Iran and Iraq living in Sweden

Abstract

The aims of this study were to capture a group of immigrants’ perceptions of dental care in their native countries and in Sweden; and to describe their views of the way good oral health can be achieved. Twelve informants from Iran and Iraq living in Sweden were interviewed and a phenomenographic approach was used to collect and analyse the data. Three comprehensive categories and four subcategories were identified: “Different traditions”, “Dental pain and fear” and “Trust in and distrust of dental care”. Various traditions of dental self-care and the informants’ ambivalent attitudes towards regular dental check-ups were revealed. Experiences of dental pain and fear of dental treatment appeared to affect dental care behaviour later in life. The informants expressed ambivalent attitudes towards the dentists in their new home country, relating to limitations in communication and language barriers. The importance of using interpreters at the dental clinic was emphasized. The study shows the need for improved communication between dental professionals and the immigrant patient. Communication can be enhanced by an empathetic understanding of the patient's various experiences of dental care and dental pain.