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Abstract Background The aim of this study was to explore predictors associated with reasons for visiting an oral healthcare professional (OHP) and satisfaction with OHPs in the Netherlands among the Indian migrants and the host population. Methods A random sample was obtained for this cross-sectional questionnaire study. Variables were classified according to the Andersen Behavioural Model of Health Services Utilization. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify significant predictors for reasons for visiting an oral healthcare professional (OHP) (routine checkups and preventive care or visiting only for pain and/or treatment) and satisfaction with OHPs (satisfied or dissatisfied). Results The sample consisted of 391 participants (Indian migrants = 147 and host population = 244). Indian migrants with higher internal locus of control (LoC) [OR = 7.73 (95% CI: 2.13;27.99)], more trust in OHPs [OR = 4.12 (95% CI:1.68;10.14)] and higher integration level [OR = 1.09 (95% CI:1.03;1.17)] had higher odds of visiting an OHP for routine checkups and preventive care. In the host population, having dental insurance [OR = 2.64 (95% CI:1.00;6.95)] was significantly associated with increased odds of visiting an OHP for routine checkups and preventive care. For satisfaction, Indians with low paid jobs [OR = 16.26 (95% CI:2.83;93.36)] and those with higher integration levels [OR = 1.29 (95% CI:1.16;1.42)] had higher odds of being satisfied with the Dutch OHPs. Among the host population, those with more trust in OHPs [OR = 2.86 (95% CI:1.19;6.88)] had higher odds of being satisfied. Conclusion Our study emphasize that integration levels and trust emerged as two crucial factors, policy makers can leverage upon to improve access to care for Indian migrants. Clinical trial N.A as this is a survey based cross sectional study.

BackgroundLimited data exist about the relationship between acculturation and oral health. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the association of integration with self-reported oral health, behaviours, and oral healthcare utilization among Indian migrants living in the Netherlands, a cross sectional survey study.MethodsBetween February and April 2021, a random sample from Dutch municipalities was obtained for the Indian migrants living in the Netherlands (n = 147). A validated questionnaire was used to collect information on independent variables, namely socio-demographic, integration assessment tool: Immigration Policy Lab (IPL-12) and everyday discrimination scale (EDS). The outcome variables were self-reported oral health, oral health behaviours, and oral healthcare utilization. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the associations.ResultsHigher integration among Indian migrants was associated with longer stay in the Netherlands, having a Dutch passport, intention to settle in the Netherlands, and having a permanent residence. After adjusting for covariates such as age, gender, marital status, education, income, occupation, and dental insurance, regression analysis showed that Indians with higher integration had lower odds of reporting their oral health as fair to poor [OR = 0.92(95%CI:0.0.85;0.99)] than the Indians with low integration scores. Also, Indians with higher integration had lower odds of using a manual toothbrush as compared to an electric toothbrush or use of both [OR = 0.86(95%CI:0.76;0.97)]. Highly integrated Indians had lower odds of consuming Indian sweets than lower integrated Indians (OR = 0.91; 95%CI:0.86;0.97). Indians with higher integration had 1.15 times (95% CI:1.03;1.29) higher odds of visiting a Dutch dental professional than visiting a dentist in both places (India and the Netherlands). No significant association was found between discrimination and the three outcome variables.ConclusionIntegration is positively association with self-reported oral health outcomes among the Indian migrants. Measure to improve integration among Indian migrants may help to promote healthy oral health behaviours and improve their oral health care utilization.

Sexual harassment is a highly prevalent form of gender-based discrimination and sexual exploitation in the workplace and academic environment. In the dental field, there are a few studies regarding sexual harassment among the patients, professors and claims of their students. There is a silence of consent surrounding sexual harassment. It is clearly an issue about which the practicing dentists need to be informed in order to provide knowledgeable assessment and treatment for all patients. Dentists also have a role in advocacy, expert consultation or testimony, research and prevention through education and training. It is a fact that sexual harassment is very commonly encountered by almost everyone especially women. It is the most unresolved and under recognized problem of today especially when professionals are concerned. Preventing sexual harassment requires a considerable investment of time and personnel. This paper reviews the topic of sexual harassment as a problem from its legal aspects and recommendations for further steps to resolve this issue in dentistry.