Pediatr. praxi. 2023;24(2):98-101 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2023.029

Roma population and selected aspects of health care

prof. MUDr. Tatjana Dostálová, DrSc., MBA¹, RNDr. Hana Eliášová, Ph.D.¹, MDDr. Eliška Šedivá¹, doc. MUDr. Vlasta Merglová, CSc.², prof. MUDr. Milan Macek, DrSc., MHA³

¹ Stomatologická klinika dětí a dospělých, 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha

² Stomatologická klinika LF UK Praha, FN v Plzni

³ Ústav biologie a lékařské genetiky, 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha

Generally, the Roma population has problems with treatment options and often experiences discrimination due to structural barriers when accessing health services and for that reason may mistrust those services. The aim of our study is to evaluate the most efficient systems for the engagement of the Roma community aimed at enhancing trust in health services, mainly in the field of dentistry. Since the overall state of dentition significantly affects the quality of life, it is not possible to neglect dental care in excluded localities. A combined social and healthcare approach that represents the basic pillars of prevention (comprising dental hygiene, diet, application of fluoride preparations, and possibly remineralization of the enamel) should create specialized teams including dentists, general practitioners for children and adults, including parents of patients. As we show in specific examples, clear and simple education could markedly improve this situation. The main outputs of our study are recommendations for practice which form the basis for future dental therapy approaches in excluded localities in Czechia.

Keywords: roma, social and health care, dental hygiene, diet, fluoride application, enamel remineralization, excluded localities.

Accepted: March 31, 2023; Published: April 5, 2023  Show citation