Funded Projects

Improving Oral Hygiene in URM Populations

Project Year

2024

City & State

Chicago, Illinois

Program Name

CATCH Resident

Topic

Oral/Dental Health

Program Description

Project Summary: Improving Oral Health for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors in Chicago  Problem: Unaccompanied refugee minors arriving from Central and South America to a pediatric clinic in Chicago face significant barriers to accessing adequate oral healthcare. Language barriers, cultural differences, and limited resources contribute to a lack of awareness and utilization of essential oral health services. Many children experience untreated dental issues, impacting their overall well-being and hindering successful integration into their new environment. In this study, it is recognized that oral health is a major health issue. The severity of the disease along with cultural competency and practices can impede access to care even when dental care is available (Crespo 2019).  Primary Setting: Since fall of 2022, the University of Illinois at Chicago has partnered with the community organization National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) to provide initial medical exams and to serve as a medical home for newly arrived unaccompanied immigrant children. Since the beginning of this collaboration, UIC has seen over 100 children in this clinic, with the majority arriving from Central and South America.  Number of Children Affected: The project aims to impact the the entire population of unaccompanied immigrant children who are seen for initial medical exams in the UIC pediatric clinic. Over the course of the project we expect this to be approximately 100 children; however, it is possible this number may be larger given the increase in migration to Chicago from Central and South America.  Project Goal: The overarching goal of the project is to improve oral health outcomes for recently migrated unaccompanied immigrant children by addressing barriers to care and promoting oral hygiene education. The project seeks to establish a comprehensive oral health program within the pediatric clinic to enhance access to dental services and foster healthy oral care habits.  Proposed Intervention:  Access Enhancement:  Collaborate with local dental professionals to establish regular dental clinics within the pediatric setting, offering services tailored to the unique needs of refugee minors. Facilitate language-accessible resources and services to overcome communication barriers. Education and Awareness:  Develop culturally sensitive educational materials on oral hygiene, emphasizing the importance of oral health. Conduct workshops and information sessions for both children and their caregivers to promote understanding and awareness. In-Clinic Dental Visits:  Coordinate fluoride varnish applications during initial medical exams to ensure immediate access to preventive oral care. We would also work to establish a workflow for expedited dental assessments for NYAP patients.  Establishment of Healthy Habits:  Implement a structured program to instill healthy oral care habits, including proper brushing techniques and routine dental check-ups. Distribute oral care kits containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and educational materials to all participating children.  Anticipated Outcomes:  Increased Access:  Greater utilization of dental services by unaccompanied refugee minors within the pediatric clinic. Improved Oral Hygiene:  Enhanced oral hygiene practices among children, leading to a reduction in untreated dental issues. Education Impact:  Increased awareness and understanding of the importance of oral health within the refugee community. Established Healthy Habits:  Adoption of sustainable and healthy oral care habits among the target population. Preventive Measures:  Reduction in the prevalence of untreated dental problems through early intervention and preventive measures, including fluoride varnish applications. By addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by unaccompanied refugee minors, this project aims to create a sustainable model for improving oral health outcomes and promoting overall well-being within the vulnerable population.    

Project Goal

To improve the dental and oral health and hygiene of unaccompanied refugee minors in a pediatric resident clinic by providing comprehensive assessments, preventive care, and access to necessary dental services, while promoting community engagement and cultural competence.

Project Objective 1

Create and distribute oral health kits to 75% of all unaccompanied immigrant pediatric patients during medical visits in their languages over the next 10 months 

Project Objective 2

Develop and distribute education materials on oral health to all unaccompanied immigrant children and their foster parents during medical visits in their languages to ensure that the content is relevant and accessible to their needs and preferences

Project Objective 3

Establish ongoing collaboration with the dental clinic to provide fluoride varnish and education on oral health during initial medical evaluations within the next 10 months to foster long term engagement and impact

AAP District

District VI

Institutional Name

University of Illinois at Chicago

Contact 1

Krupa Shah-Singh, DO, MS

Contact 2

Abeer Chohan, DO