Multicultural communities

​​People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, including refugees and newly arrived migrants, may experience oral health problems. Some people may not be aware of available dental services or may find it difficult to care for their oral health.

Common barriers to accessing dental care may include:

• language and cultural barriers
• limited understanding of available dental services
• cost of transport to appointments
• limited access to interpreter services.
  

People arriving in Australia as refugees may have poorer oral health due to:

• interrupted access to general health and dental care
• limited access to nutritious food
• limited access to clean water
• injury to the mouth or teeth
• past traumatic experiences.

Many people may benefit from support from health services and community organisations to improve and maintain their oral health. For advice on keeping your mouth, teeth and gums healthy, see Dental health information.

For translated dental and general information, go to  Multicultural Health Communication Service​.​