Many Americans fondly remember “Tommy the Tooth” – the ever so familiar image of a clean and sparkling white molar reminding children to brush their teeth every day. However, most refugees seldom receive the appropriate education, screening, and care to maintain healthy oral hygiene. This is true not only of the regions refugees flee from, but also of refugee camps, where healthcare generally focuses on addressing acute illness. Bhutanese refugee camps in Nepal were no stranger to this tendency, despite hosting refugees for, sometimes, decades. Between the years of 2009 and 2012, 87% of Bhutanese refugees in Madison County, Wisconsin, who had oral health screenings were referred to a dentist for early caries, urgent dental care, or prevention. In light of such data, this article will seek to further explore the etiology, prevalence, and significance of oral health challenges amongst Bhutanese refugees in North America
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AuthorsAuthor: Pavitra Krishnamani Archives
March 2015
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