Promoting Oral Health for Refugees: A Call to Action

Global forced displacement has reached unprecedented levels. As a result of persecution, armed conflict, generalized violence, natural disasters, famine, and economic instability, millions of people have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety and protection.

Among the many health challenges refugees face, access to oral health care remains an often-overlooked issue despite its importance to overall health, well-being, and quality of life.

This policy brief from the FDI World Dental Federation, the Framework Convention on Global Health Alliance, the Sustainable Health Equity Movement, and the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) calls for urgent action to ensure that refugees can access essential oral health services as a matter of health equity and human rights.

Why Promoting Oral Health for Refugees Matters

The scale of global forced displacement continues to increase worldwide.

According to international estimates cited in this policy brief, more than 103 million people had been forcibly displaced worldwide by mid-2022, including over 32 million refugees, with more than two in five under the age of 18.

Refugees are among the most vulnerable and marginalized populations globally. They frequently encounter barriers to healthcare caused by:

• Population displacement
• Limited health infrastructure
• Workforce shortages
• Financial constraints
• Language barriers
• Reduced access to preventive services
• Disrupted continuity of care

While these challenges affect many aspects of health, oral health is often overlooked despite being an essential component of overall health and well-being.

Oral Health Is a Human Right

Like all people, refugees are entitled to access health care, including oral health care, as guaranteed by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

This right is reinforced by the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which require countries to provide healthcare without discrimination and on the same basis as nationals.

Access to oral health care should therefore not be viewed as an optional service. It is an important part of fulfilling the right to health and advancing health equity for displaced populations.

The Burden of Oral Disease Among Refugees

Evidence consistently shows that refugees experience higher rates of oral disease while facing greater barriers to care.

Studies referenced in the policy brief indicate that refugees often experience:

• Dental caries (tooth decay)
• Periodontal disease
• Oral soft tissue lesions
• Traumatic dental injuries

At the same time, refugees are less likely to access preventive oral health services and frequently seek care only when experiencing severe pain or emergencies.

Language barriers, limited mobility, financial challenges, unfamiliarity with health systems, and reduced service availability can all delay access to timely and affordable care.

The burden of oral disease among refugee populations represents a significant but often neglected public health challenge that requires urgent attention.

Improving Maternal Oral Health Literacy Among Refugee Communities

Oral health promotion and disease prevention are especially important during pregnancy and early childhood.

Research cited in the policy brief demonstrates that a mother’s:

• Oral health status
• Oral health knowledge
• Oral health literacy
• Health behaviours
• Socioeconomic circumstances

can significantly influence her children’s oral health outcomes.

Why Maternal Oral Health Matters

Maternal oral health is closely linked to childhood oral health outcomes, including the risk of dental caries.

Studies have shown that refugee maternal oral health literacy is associated with children’s oral health outcomes. However, misconceptions about oral health during pregnancy remain common.

Creating supportive systems that empower mothers and caregivers with oral health knowledge can help establish:

• Healthy oral hygiene practices
• Preventive behaviours
• Healthy dietary habits
• Improved oral health outcomes across generations

Women also play a critical role in supporting the health of families and communities, including children, older adults, and medically vulnerable family members.

Investing in maternal oral health literacy is therefore an important strategy for improving community health more broadly.

Ensuring Access to Essential Oral Health Services for Refugees

Refugees are entitled to primary healthcare services, including oral healthcare.

The World Health Organization’s Global Oral Health Action Plan provides important guidance on what constitutes essential oral health care.

Essential Oral Health Care Includes

Urgent and Emergency Care

Services that address:

• Acute orofacial infections
• Severe dental pain
• Dental trauma
• Orofacial trauma
• Abscess management
• Necessary extractions

Preventive and Routine Oral Health Services

Services that support early detection and prevention, including:

• Oral health examinations
• Professional cleanings
• Diagnostic radiographs
• Oral cancer screening
• Preventive interventions
• Access to essential dental medicines

Rehabilitative Care

Comprehensive oral health systems should also consider:

• Permanent restorations
• Periodontal treatment
• Endodontic treatment
• Appropriate referral pathways

Access to these services should be integrated into primary healthcare systems and made available to refugees without discrimination.

Oral Health Equity and the Sustainable Development Goals

Promoting oral health for refugees is not solely a healthcare issue.

It is also a matter of:

• Human rights
• Health equity
• Social justice
• Sustainable development

Ensuring equitable access to oral healthcare supports the core commitment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to “leave no one behind.”

Refugees cannot achieve their full health potential if oral health continues to be excluded from refugee health planning, service delivery, and policy development.

A Call to Action

The FDI World Dental Federation, Framework Convention on Global Health Alliance, Sustainable Health Equity Movement, and World Federation of Public Health Associations recognize that oral health is an integral part of overall health and well-being. Access to oral health care is a fundamental human right.

They urge policymakers, healthcare providers, and international and national organizations to:

1. Include Oral Health in Refugee Health Strategies

Include oral health as part of current and future refugee health priorities, particularly for:

• Pregnant women
• Mothers
• Infants
• Young children

2. Raise Awareness of Refugees’ Oral Health Rights

Promote understanding of oral health and refugee health rights among:

• Healthcare professionals
• Public health practitioners
• Social service providers
• Community organizations
• Non-healthcare staff who work with refugee populations

3. Ensure Equitable Access to Essential Oral Health Services

Ensure access to essential oral health services as an integral component of:

• Primary healthcare
• Maternal healthcare
• Antenatal care
• Community health programs

through partnerships with national and local dental and health organizations.

Advancing Refugee Health Through Oral Health

Refugees face significant barriers to achieving and maintaining good oral health despite clear international commitments to health equity and human rights.

Addressing oral health needs through prevention, education, maternal health initiatives, and equitable access to essential services can improve health outcomes across the life course while strengthening broader refugee health systems.

Promoting oral health for refugees is therefore not only a public health priority but also an essential step toward advancing dignity, equity, and the right to health for all.

View additional FAQs on promoting oral health for refugees below:

What oral health challenges do refugees face?

Refugees commonly experience higher rates of dental caries, periodontal disease, traumatic dental injuries, and barriers to accessing timely oral health services.

Why is oral health important for refugees?

Oral health is an essential part of overall health and well-being, affecting nutrition, communication, quality of life, and broader health outcomes.

Are refugees entitled to oral health care?

Yes. International human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the 1951 Refugee Convention, support refugees’ right to healthcare without discrimination.

Why is maternal oral health important in refugee populations?

Maternal oral health knowledge and behaviors significantly influence children’s oral health outcomes and can help prevent oral disease across generations.