Partnering with Local Refugee and Asylum-Seeking Communities to Appreciate and Understand Their Oral Health Habits, Risk Factors and Needs

Kendell M. Lane, School of Social Work
Brittney Wheeler, School of Social Work
Drashty Mody, School of Dentistry
Ciara Augusta, School of Science
Marfaa Almjamaie, School of Dentistry
Stuart Schrader, Ph. D., School of Dentistry

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, refugees in Indianapolis face severe lack of access to oral healthcare. The project’s goal is to continue the partnership between the IU School of Dentistry (IUSD) and Catholic Charities by identifying the current oral health and hygiene habits of the refugees and underlying risk factors that impact their welfare. Survey administration is being conducted alongside an oral health screening event organized by IUSD’s local student chapter of the American Association for Public Health. Ultimately, we aim to improve the access to affordable and comprehensive dental services for our refugee communities.

Bringle Poster Lane PPTX.pdf