The Impact of Social Inequalities on the Oral Health of Vulnerable Populations
A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 18
Special Issue Editors
Interests: adults; elderly people; oral health; epidemiology; biostatistics; epidemiological surveys; quality of life; workers
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Health inequity presents a persistent global challenge, manifesting as systematic and avoidable disparities in health across different population groups. Within the context of oral health, these inequities are particularly stark, reflecting the profound impact of social, economic, and environmental determinants on the most vulnerable populations. It is crucial to recognize that oral health is not isolated from general health; it is an intrinsic and crucial component of overall well-being. The lack of equitable access to preventive and treatment dental services perpetuates a vicious cycle of severe oral diseases, which are intrinsically linked to and can exacerbate systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and pregnancy complications, thereby intensifying the disease burden on vulnerable populations. The impact extends beyond the clinical sphere, compromising nutrition, employability, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. We therefore invite the submission of articles that critically explore the roots, manifestations, and mitigation strategies of oral health inequities, highlighting their crucial relationship with general health, contributing to the advancement of science and the formulation of more just and effective international public policies.
In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Epidemiology of Oral Health Inequities: Studies on the distribution, magnitude, and trends of oral diseases in vulnerable populations.
- Impact of Social Determinants: Analysis of the influence of poverty, health literacy, education, racism, and housing policies on oral health access and outcomes.
- Oral Health–General Health Interconnection: Research detailing the causal relationship and integrated management of systemic diseases and oral conditions in inequity settings.
- Policy and Program Evaluation: Effectiveness and equity of interventions, service delivery models, and public policies aimed at reducing disparities.
- Research Methods and Ethics: Innovative study designs, qualitative approaches, and ethical issues in research involving vulnerable populations.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Marília Jesus Batista
Dr. Manoelito Ferreira Silva-Junior
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- health inequities
- oral health
- vulnerable populations
- social determinants of health
- health status
- health services
- epidemiology
- health literacy
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