An Exploration of the Barriers and Facilitators to Access of Oral Health Care of Ukrainian Newcomers to Nova Scotia

The proposed research project will study the past and present oral health care knowledge and experiences of Ukrainians who have arrived in Nova Scotia, Canada since February 2022, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This will include an exploration of perceptions and knowledge of oral health, experience navigating oral health care services in Ukraine and Nova Scotia and identification of barriers and facilitators to accessing oral health care services. Utilizing a narrative qualitative methodology, in-depth, semi-structured interviews will be held with participants recruited through the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia using a purposive sampling technique. The study is anticipated to provide insight into barriers and facilitators of access to oral health care services experienced by Ukrainian newcomers to Nova Scotia. Findings will help to inform oral health policy and practice with the goal of improving access to preventative and restorative oral health care services for Ukrainian refugees in Canada.

Faculty Supervisor:

Heather Doucette

Student:

Partner:

West Ukrainian National University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Public Service, Policy, and Governance

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: