Australian Dental Journal
Volume 60, Issue 2, 2015, Pages 200-204

Exploring child dental service use among migrant families in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia (Article)

Christian B.* , Young D. , Gibbs L. , De Silva A. , Gold L. , Riggs E. , Calache H. , Tadic M. , Hall M. , Moore L. , Waters E.
  • a Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population, Global Health The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia, North Richmond Community Health Limited, Richmond, VIC, Australia
  • b Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population, Global Health The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
  • c Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population, Global Health The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia, North Richmond Community Health Limited, Richmond, VIC, Australia
  • d Dental Health ServicesVIC, Australia
  • e Deakin Health Economics, Deakin UniversityVIC, Australia
  • f Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population, Global Health The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia, Healthy Mothers Healthy Families Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research InstituteVIC, Australia
  • g Dental Health ServicesVIC, Australia
  • h Merri Community Health Services, Brunswick, VIC, Australia
  • i North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, VIC, Australia
  • j MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
  • k Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, Melbourne School of Population, Global Health The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia, North Richmond Community Health Limited, Richmond, VIC, Australia

Abstract

Abstract Background This study describes and explores factors related to dental service use among migrant children. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from Teeth Tales, an exploratory trial implementing a community based child oral health promotion intervention. The sample size and target population was 600 families with 1-4 year old children from Iraqi, Lebanese and Pakistani backgrounds residing in metropolitan Melbourne. Participants were recruited into the study using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Results Most (88%; 550/625) children had never visited the dentist (mean (SD) age 3.06 years (1.11)). In the fully adjusted model the variable most significantly associated with child dental visiting was parent reported 'no reason for child to visit the dentist' (OR = 0.07, p < 0.001). Of those children whose parents reported their child had no reason to visit the dentist, 22% (37/165) experienced dental caries with 8% (13/165) at the level of cavitation. Conclusions Dental service use by migrant preschool children was very low. The relationship between perceived dental need and dental service use is currently not aligned. One in 10 children of select migrant background had visited a dentist, which is in the context of 1 in 3 with dental caries. To improve utilization, health services should consider organizational cultural competence, outreach and increased engagement with the migrant community. © 2015 Australian Dental Association.

Author Keywords

Human migration Preschool Oral health child Dental health services

Index Keywords

Parents Pakistan urban population human middle aged health service Pediatric Dentistry Iraq dentistry Victoria ethnology dental procedure Health Services Needs and Demand Cross-Sectional Studies Young Adult Dental Care cross-sectional study Humans Lebanon Adolescent male female preschool child Infant Child, Preschool dental caries cultural factor adult migration utilization child health care patient attitude Child Health Services Cultural Characteristics Patient Acceptance of Health Care Transients and Migrants Healthcare Disparities health care disparity parent
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84930041804&doi=10.1111%2fadj.12321&partnerID=40&md5=55d7ce48ab4b921f4eff163fcfa594d2
DOI: 10.1111/adj.12321
ISSN: 00450421
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English