CORE Presented at IADR Conference 2024

Carol Guarnizo-Herreño of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia presented (on behalf of the CORE team) a research abstract -poster- at the 2024 IADR/AADOCR/CADR General Session and Exhibition held in New Orleans, US from 13-16 March 2024. The poster showed the rationale, methods and initial findings of the CORE study 1.2 ‘Unheard Voices on Oral Health: Qualitative Research with Disadvantaged Communities’.

In this study, we have engaged with disadvantaged and vulnerable groups across different countries to explore their views and experiences of oral health and oral health services. An exploratory qualitative research approach was used to capture stories and amplify their voices and opinions. ‘Good’ oral health was generally defined across all settings in relation to having white, straight teeth, and the absence of caries or pain. Many participants described experiences of ‘DIY dentistry’ due to lack of access to oral health services and the negative impact of oral pain on work and family activities. This study showed that oral health matters to disadvantaged people globally. There is a need to engage with and involve communities in oral research to develop policies to promote oral health, provide access to appropriate services and reduce oral health inequalities.