Project Overview

Health systems providing oral healthcare services vary widely among different countries which can be challenging for immigrant populations in understanding, navigating and accessing health services. In 2019, the population of international immigrants worldwide was 272 million, an increase of almost 20% since 2010. Similar to other Western countries, Australia has become a truly multicultural country with 27% of its population born overseas. In recent times, Australia observed an increasing trend towards migration of people over 65 years and globally, ageing of the migrant populations added to the increasing concern for the overall health of older people, especially oral health wherein the link with overall health is well recognised. 

The prevalence of oral health problems and diseases rise steadily across the lifespan and addressing these issues in the older people has become an urgent priority. These challenges are further compounded by language and sociocultural barriers experienced by many migrants especially those who belong to the older age group. Older immigrants’ perception of oral health needs and preference for care are steeped in cultural beliefs, practices and values that can be a challenge to oral healthcare workers in the destination country. In addition, psychosocial factors such as socioeconomic difficulties, poor social support, lack of access to transport and personal resources, and health factors such as physical and mental co-morbidities heighten the disadvantages experienced by older immigrants. These factors contribute to their disproportionate vulnerability compared to the general population which behove the health services to explore effective health interventions and strategies to promote oral health among older immigrant populations.