The number of people forced to flee their homes and move around the world is increasing rapidly. Such refugee populations are not only more likely to have poor physical, mental and social health outcomes but also to experience difficulties accessing health services in their new country. In particular, children from refugee backgrounds are at increased risk of poor oral health which in time is associated with poor adult oral health and impacts on child health (e.g. growth and development) and well-being. To date, there is little evidence about the nature and extent of their oral health problems nor interventions to improve their oral health status. This article summarises the evidence surrounding the oral health status of children from refugee backgrounds. In addition, a systematic review of the international literature over the past 10 years is presented which identifies interventions to improve the oral health of these vulnerable paediatric populations. Based on this evidence, potential strategies available to dental service providers to optimise provision of responsive dental care are discussed. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Children Oral health Refugee

refugee health promotion mass screening Oral Health human wellbeing Refugees Health Behavior health belief health service Oral Hygiene priority journal health status mouth hygiene Dental Care for Children procedures dental procedure knowledge child growth health Humans Adolescent preschool child Child, Preschool Review Tooth Diseases child health Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice health care access systematic review Child Development attitude to health highest income group Health Services Accessibility health care delivery Child