Oranga whānau, oranga niho: The oral health status of 5-year-old Māori children. A case study

Abstract

Research has shown that the oral health of Māori is far worse than non-Māori across all age groups. The objective of this research study was to assess the dental wellbeing of 5-year olds with a specific focus on Māori children currently residing in the Hamilton City region. In addition, this research focused on the impact that social, economic, cultural and environmental factors have on oral health. A total of 32 participants were invited to take part in this research: 15 5-year-old children from three selected schools, 15 (of the children's) caregivers and 2 dental therapists who work in the Hamilton City region. The findings indicated that overall Māori children and children of lower socio-economic status had a much higher prevalence of dental caries (tooth decay) than non-Māori children and children of higher socio-economic status. A number of contributing factors were shown to be responsible for this disparity including the cultural inappropriateness of oral health services and resources, affordability, role-modelling, parental awareness and education, and the transient nature of families. It was found that no one strategy or intervention will achieve dramatic improvements in Māori oral health as a concerted effort is required by Local and Central Government, the Health Sector and Māori communities.