Maria G Kallal1, Sharon M Compton2, Arlynn R Brodie3, Breanne L Moran4, Minn N Yoon5. 1. MSc candidate, Dental Hygiene Program, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. 2. Professor & director, Dental Hygiene Program; associate chair (dental hygiene), School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. 3. PhD candidate, Rehabilitation Science Program, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. 4. Clinical instructor, Dental Hygiene Program, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. 5. Associate professor, School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Abstract
Introduction: Marginalized, low-income individuals face many barriers to dental care, including but not limited to cost. The Student Health Initiative for the Needs of Edmonton (SHINE) dental clinic is a student-operated volunteer clinic offering free services to low-income individuals. This study aimed to explore the access to dental care needs of low-income groups, from community health brokers' perspectives. Case description: The study was deemed exempt from ethical approval (Pro00074745). Five semistructured interviews exploring access to dental care were conducted with health brokers purposefully selected from 4 different community outreach centres. Access was defined and analysed using Penchansky and Thomas' theory of access as modified by Saurman. Results: Interviews revealed lack of awareness of the SHINE clinic. Translation and interpretation support was an identified need, and there was concern for clients who fear discrimination in health care settings. Conclusion: Preliminary barriers to care at SHINE were identified. However, further investigation is required to understand how SHINE aligns with population needs.
Introduction: Marginalized, low-income individuals face many barriers to dental care, including but not limited to cost. The Student Health Initiative for the Needs of Edmonton (SHINE) dental clinic is a student-operated volunteer clinic offering free services to low-income individuals. This study aimed to explore the access to dental care needs of low-income groups, from community health brokers' perspectives. Case description: The study was deemed exempt from ethical approval (Pro00074745). Five semistructured interviews exploring access to dental care were conducted with health brokers purposefully selected from 4 different community outreach centres. Access was defined and analysed using Penchansky and Thomas' theory of access as modified by Saurman. Results: Interviews revealed lack of awareness of the SHINE clinic. Translation and interpretation support was an identified need, and there was concern for clients who fear discrimination in health care settings. Conclusion: Preliminary barriers to care at SHINE were identified. However, further investigation is required to understand how SHINE aligns with population needs.
Authors: Donald L Patrick; Rosanna Shuk Yin Lee; Michele Nucci; David Grembowski; Carol Zane Jolles; Peter Milgrom Journal: BMC Oral Health Date: 2006-06-15 Impact factor: 2.757