Oral health equity

Project Summary

The aging global population is leading to increased healthcare demands, particularly in oral health, which can be exacerbated by age, systemic diseases, and medications. These challenges strain health-care systems, disproportionately affecting those with lower socioeconomic status leading to widening health differences as people age. To address this issue of increase in avoidable health differences-health inequities and attain universal health equity, measuring health equity is crucial. Especially during the transition from middle to old age where shifting healthcare needs intersect with financial challenges during retirement potentially worsening inequities. In Canada, the extent of oral health inequity remains uncertain and disparities between oral and general health equities, if present, are also unknown. To gain clarity, a comprehensive assessment and monitoring strategy is imperative to understand the landscape and formulate effective strategies to tackle oral health inequities.