Race and Utilization of Dental Care

Abstract

Racial discrimination in healthcare has been associated with suboptimal utilisation of dental services which may be linked to inequity in healthcare. Discriminatory behaviour of a healthcare professional could lead to a nocebo effect and a decrease in the oral health related quality of life. Colonialism could be to blame for historically segregating various races according to skin colour, language barriers, religion and socioeconomic status. But continual of such behaviour in the modern era has led to dehumanisation, where the ideal treatment plan may not even be informed to the patient, because the healthcare professional(s) assume that the patient may not / may not be able to avail such services, which results in doubtful obtainment of consent. Also, the lack of dentists belonging to discriminated races also contributes to non-attendance and/or non-availability of dental services for vulnerable patients. Cultural differences among the races, with regards to the importance of dental preventive care, oral hygiene maintenance and individual’s dependence on family heads for consent, could result in lack of compliance from patients despite correct advice from dentists. In conclusion, intercultural and international education are necessary components of a dental curriculum. Healthcare professionals need to be trained in remote and international areas in order to imbibe empathy and be respectful towards other races.