Identifying the barriers and facilitators for homeless people to achieve good oral health

Objective: A qualitative exploration of the barriers and facilitators for people experiencing homelessness achieving good oral health. Participants: Adults using two homeless centres in Leeds. Methods: Focus group discussions were convened with homeless people using support  services. Both an inductive and deductive approach to data analysis was taken. Themes were identified and then a framework applied  to analysis using Nvivo software. Results: Three focus group discussions with 16 participants were conducted with people experiencing  homelessness. The barriers identified were insufficient information on local dental services, negative attitudes of oral health professionals,  low priority of dental care, anxiety and cost of dental treatments. Facilitators included single dental appointments, accessible dental loca tions and being treated with respect. Conclusions: Despite the barriers that prevent people experiencing homelessness from maintaining  and improving their oral health, the participants were aware that they needed oral healthcare and requested that dental services were made  available to them and were accessible in line with their socioeconomic status and needs. 

J. Csikar, K. Vinall-Collier, J.M. Richemond, J. Talbot, S. T. Serban1 and G.V.A.  Douglas 

1The University of Leeds School of Dentistry; 2Public Health England; 3Whittington Health NHS; 4City Healthcare Partnership and  Harrogate Hospitals 

Key words: Oral Health, Homeless Persons, Qualitative Research 

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