Oral Health Utilization in Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Groups

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to compare oral health utilization for preventive care in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups compared to non-CALD groups.
Methods: An electronic database search was undertaken using Medline, Scopus, CINAHL from September 2019, including grey literature. The review was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRIMSA) guidelines. Inclusion criteria incorporated English language and papers with a comparison group such as migrant and non-migrant group. All age groups were included, and each study was assessed for the relevance of the study’s populations, method, sampling and outcome measures.
Results: Using a qualitative synthesis, eight studies were included. Several barriers to oral health care utilization in CALD groups include; knowledge, cultural values, health literacy, linguistic challenges, cost and travel barriers. CALD groups were less likely to access oral health services for preventive purposes than non-CALD groups. Findings highlight inequitable access in prevention health care services available for CALD groups as mainstream oral health services are failing to meet the needs of disadvantaged groups.
Conclusions: Several oral health utilization barriers exist for CALD groups compared to the non-CALD population. The study has wider implications in oral health policy, the oral health workforce and quality of life for individuals, families and the community.