Abstract
Over the last 10 years, health inequalities have been at the centre of the public health research agenda. Relevant research has demonstrated the detrimental impact of inequalities on the health and well-being of populations and has shifted the policy debate towards addressing the social determinants of health. Like for general health, there are also inequalities for oral health. This lecture will first summarise the relevant evidence in relation to the extent and pattern of inequalities in oral health in Europe, with particular emphasis on data from national epidemiological studies. The overall picture reveals social gradients in oral health, but there are also variations according to the socioeconomic position measures and oral health outcomes employed (clinical and/or subjective measures of oral health and quality of life) as well as for different age groups. The main focus will be on exploring the role of the different pathways that may help explain oral health inequalities. The potential role of health behaviours, dental service / care provision, psychosocial factors, as well as the broader political factors will be discussed in that respect. Finally, the presentation will highlight key areas so that research can be translated into public health action towards addressing oral health inequalities.
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