LGBT Oral Health Disparities: A Review of Oral Health Needs, Barriers to Care, and Culturally Competent Practices

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School of Dental Medicine::Departmental Papers (Dental)
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Adult and Continuing Education
Public Health
Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
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LGBT Oral Health
LGBT Health Disparities
LGBT Dental Education
Sexual Minority Health
Healthcare Discrimination
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2025-01-22
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Yu, Claire
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Abstract

In the realm of health disparities, the unique challenges faced by the LGBT community, particularly within dentistry, remain largely underexplored. Marginalized and often facing significant societal prejudice, members of the LGBT community have a higher propensity for risk behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol use and a greater susceptibility to substance use disorders. These behaviors directly influence their oral health, increasing their risk for oral cancers, periodontal disease, and other oral health problems. The broader impact of these health disparities affects every facet of LGBT individuals' well-being, including their oral health. These disparities include limited access to dental care, higher rates of discrimination and mistreatment, inadequate health insurance coverage, and elevated dental fear. Intertwined with social and psychological stressors, these issues create a complex web of factors contributing to the observed oral health disparities in the LGBT community. Despite the urgency and significance of these issues, there is a substantial gap in our understanding of LGBT health overall. Comprehensive, population-specific research is vital to delve deeper into these disparities and design effective strategies that foster health equity within oral healthcare. A narrative review of peer-reviewed articles was conducted using databases like PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, focusing on keywords related to LGBT and oral health. This research would greatly contribute to improving the oral and overall health of the LGBT population, thereby promoting a broader sense of inclusivity and well-being in healthcare.

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2025-01-22
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