Abstract
Aims This study sought to identify the dental care needs of people on low incomes in Christchurch (including refugees and migrants). An attempt was also made to identify the barriers to access to dental care services experienced by these groups.
Methods A literature search was conducted on health care needs and barriers to access to care for the target group. The review focussed particularly on dental care needs and the New Zealand context. An initial survey of organisations working with and for refugees, migrants and people on low incomes in Christchurch was conducted. This was followed by a survey of the clients of these organisations. Key informant interviews were also conducted with representatives of these groups and local dental care providers. Survey data was analysed using Epi-lnfo and interviews were transcribed and the transcripts analysed for emergent themes.
Results This study identified a need for the provision of more accessible dental care services for people on low income (including refugees and migrants) in Christchurch. Participants were concerned about high levels of need for dental health care in the target groups and the perceived inadequacy of available services. Cost of care was identified as the most significant barrier for most. However, non-cost barriers like lack of knowledge about services and English language skills were also identified as important by some groups.
Public Health Implications Dental health care for low income adults has been a low priority for health policy makers. While free access to basic dental health care is universally available for children in New Zealand, access to care for adults is mostly on a fee for service basis. This study suggests that many low income adults, including refugees and migrants, are missing out on needed dental care. The barriers to access to care they experience are predominantly but not entirely related to cost. The information derived from this study could be used as part of a needs assessment for public health intervention programmes to improve access to dental health care facilities. A number of improvements in the provision of dental services are suggested. These include: increased government funding for dental services for people on low incomes, provision of interpreter services for those who cannot speak and understand English, more widespread education for adults about the importance of dental health and better information on how to access available dental health services and dental benefits.
Key words: refugees, immigrants, lowincome, dental care and services.