The Impact of Societal Stigma on Oral Health-Seeking Behaviour among the Transgender Community and Strategies to Address

Abstract:
Oral health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, yet transgender individuals often face significant challenges in accessing dental care. This review examines the impact of social stigma on the dental care-seeking behaviours of transgender populations, highlighting common oral health challenges and proposing inclusive dental practices. Many transgender individuals experience discrimination in healthcare settings, leading them to postpone or avoid dental appointments. This contributes to a higher prevalence of cavities, periodontal disease, and mucosal lesions. These oral health issues are further linked to systemic conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. Moreover, economic instability, lack of oral health literacy, and negative experiences with healthcare providers exacerbate mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, ultimately impairing self-care routines. This review advocates for a multifaceted approach, including cultural competency training for dental professionals, integration of LGBTQ+ health topics into dental education, and the development of gender-affirming clinical settings. Policy reforms are also necessary to expand dental insurance coverage and enforce anti-discrimination measures in healthcare. Additionally, community-based programs and tele-dentistry are highlighted as key strategies for early diagnosis and intervention. By implementing these strategies, healthcare systems can help mitigate stigma, improve access to quality dental care, and enhance the overall well-being of transgender individuals.References:
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