Homeless people have difficulty coping with dental care. They believe that dentistry is frightening, humiliating and expensive, and governments are neither sympathetic to their disability nor willing to provide helpful information about community dental clinics or sufficient dental benefits for their needs.

No abstract

Mood disorders were found to have a strong association with underutilization of oral care services among aging adults of Canada. Given the associated poor oral health risks for elderly with mood disorders, oral health planners should strengthen the implementation of surveillance programs directed toward better oral health for this disadvantaged subpopulation.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Homelessness contributes hugely to physical and mental illness compounded by substance abuse, malnutrition, trauma, and poverty. Nonetheless, homeless people, like others, believe for the most part that good oral health is a necessary component of general health and well-being, and they are greatly disturbed, indeed angered, when they cannot get appropriate treatment for dental problems. Although they avoid dentists for fear of traumatic, painful, and inappropriate treatments, many willingly and gratefully accept dental services when offered in a culturally sensitive and empathetic environment. It seems that public policy and professional responsibilities in rich and poor societies fully grasp the extent of this health and social problem. The aim of this chapter is to review the relationship between homelessness and personal abuse, finances, mental health and stigma, substance-use disorder, living conditions, and access to dental care. It concludes with a pathway to oral healthcare for homeless and other vulnerable populations, and a list of references supporting the evidence for these relationships.

No abstract