Oral Health Among Vietnamese Using a Community Health Centre in Richmond, Victoria

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of specific oral diseases in a Vietnamese background population living in Melbourne, Australia, and to compare these findings to existing oral health data. Methods: One hundred and fifty‐eight subjects of Vietnamese background, 18 and older, participated in the study. Results: Subjects were clinically examined, in a cross‐sectional study, using standard World Health Organization criteria. The mean decayed, missing and filled surfaces scores were 27.8 (26.1). With the exception of one person, all subjects displayed clinical signs of gingivitis and 39 per cent had shallow pockets. Complex periodontal therapy was required by about 5 per cent of the sample. Comparing these findings to existing data on oral health in Melbourne, subjects in the study had lower DMFS scores, a higher number of untreated decayed surfaces and higher prevalence of gingivitis but less need for advanced periodontal treatment. Conclusions: These findings, in terms of dental caries and periodontal disease, represent a more encouraging oral health situation than that previously described in this immigrant population. Inequalities within the present sample were not reflected in the overall caries experience but were reflected in the proportion of unmet restorative needs. Further research is needed to get a clearer picture of the factors that shape the oral health of migrant Vietnamese populations and expansion of this research into other migrant groups is also necessary.

Comprehensive health assessment for newly arrived refugee children in Australia

“…Dental disease is highly prevalent among immigrant and refugee populations in Australia 31,32 as well as other western industrialized countries 33,34 . Common oral health problems include dental caries, periodontal disease (gum disease), functional malocclusion and dentofacial trauma 31,34 . Under‐nutrition and poor nutrition both prior to and following resettlement are thought to contribute to poor dental health 35 .…”

Cultural competence skills in a dental curriculum: A review

“…12,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Moreover, publications on transcultural dental care examine the oral health status amongst ethnic minorities, their use of oral health care services as well as their oral health beliefs, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. [24][25][26] Studies have confirmed the impact of socio-cultural factors on the oral health of culturally diverse groups and identified difficulties, including basic language facility and the comprehension of mandatory managed care, as being amongst the major common barriers to the provision and attainment of quality dental care. 17,[27][28][29] Ensuring cultural or even linguistic matching is often not possible.…”

Discussions on oral health care among elderly Chinese immigrants in Melbourne and Vancouver

“…Very few immigrants have dental insurance 29,30 , but some are entitled to limited dental services in both countries if they have little income, and if they can find a dentist who accepts the relatively low fees paid for these services 31 . Melbourne, in contrast to Vancouver, has a more extensive government‐sponsored dental service through community health centres that enhance access to care for immigrant groups 12 .…”

“…The function and appearance of the mouth and teeth are described typically in the context of hygiene, health and comfort, where comfort includes eating, acceptance of appearance and overall well‐being with natural or artificial teeth. Cleanliness and appearance of the mouth and teeth are influenced by a sense of social responsibility, which seems to increase after immigrating to the West, and is unlike other communities of older Chinese immigrants 7,10–12 . Concerns about chronic diseases of the mouth and teeth were associated with their impact on general health, especially digestion.…”