Dental services provided to Syrian refugee children in Jordan: A retrospective study

Abstract

Background:Little is known about oral health care in Syrian refugee children in host countries. We describe the pattern and nature of oral healthcare service provided to Syrian refugee children in Jordan Method: The clinical records of 3 to 7-year-old children who attended dental clinics at Zaatari refugee camp over a period of 8 months were retrieved and analyzed.

Prevalence of malocclusion and assessment of orthodontic treatment needs among Syrian refugee children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

“…Refugees are more susceptible to a variety of illnesses, including dental problems [ 23 ]. Latest reports have shown that refugees have a higher incidence of dental caries and impaired oral hygiene than host people [ 2 – 4 ]. Untreated dental diseases can result in tooth decay/loss, which can lead to unhealthy eating habits and a decline in quality of life [ 23 ].…”

“…Refugee children are particularly vulnerable to oral diseases [ 4 ]. Malocclusion is a common oral health problem, after tooth decay and periodontal disease, and is ranked third in dental public health priorities worldwide [ 5 , 6 ].…”

Satisfaction with healthcare services among refugees in Zaatari camp in Jordan

“…The present study found that most elements under human and physical health resources range from acceptable to very satisfied, except for ‘ease of access to general/oral health facilities’ and ‘availability of all dental services’. It has been reported previously that the attitude of non-attendance or delays in obtaining dental/medical treatment are strongly associated with accessibility, income, availability of healthcare facilities and perception of the need for routine dental care; all of which are major concerns for the refugee population [ 7 , 26 ]. Furthermore, extended waiting times for emergency and routine dental treatment are associated with higher rates of amplified deterioration of teeth [ 27 ].…”

“…Furthermore, extended waiting times for emergency and routine dental treatment are associated with higher rates of amplified deterioration of teeth [ 27 ]. All of the factors listed above result in delay in pursuing dental care, and therefore leading to an extraordinary percentage of dental extractions [ 7 , 26 ]. Consequently these two elements have negative and irreversible consequences on the health of this population, warranting an effective and targeted service with increased capacity.…”

“…Additionally, modes of transportation were mainly on foot or by bicycle for nearby sectors, while for distances ranging from 4–5 km transportation by pickup trucks was shared for a fee, this factor again makes accessibility to certain clinics in different districts very difficult [ 7 ]. Regarding the available dental treatment, it has been reported that only basic restorative treatment and simple extractions are the most commonly available dental treatment in the camp [ 7 , 26 ]. Expensive and sophisticated restorative, surgical, and prosthetic dental services are not available [ 7 ].…”