Targeting poor health: Improving oral health for the poor and the underserved

Abstract

Huge differences exist in health status including oral health between urban and rural population in developing countries. Differences also exist in health status between the urban rich and the urban poor. Poor and marginalized population form majority of the population in developing countries. This undeserved population typically defined by their low incomes has poor oral health status and most of the times are unable to afford basic and emergency health care services. Significant disparities remain in both the rates of dental disease and access to dental care among subgroups of the population, especially for children and adults who live below the poverty threshold.

Keywords: oral health disparities, dental safety net, developing countries, marginalized population