About this Research Topic

Background

Biocultural anthropology provides a comprehensive framework for understanding oral health disparities, which are influenced by a complex interplay of biological and cultural factors. This field moves beyond the simplistic "nature versus nurture" debate to explore how cultural practices, beliefs, social contexts, and biological susceptibilities interact to affect oral health. For instance, cultural dietary habits can impact nutrient intake, thereby influencing the risk of dental caries and access to fluoride. Traditional healing practices may either benefit or adversely interact with modern medications, affecting oral health outcomes. Socioeconomic disparities often restrict access to healthcare, education, and clean water, leading to poorer oral health in certain communities. Additionally, stigma associated with specific oral health conditions can deter individuals from seeking appropriate care. Despite ongoing research, oral health disparities persist globally, particularly among marginalized communities. Traditional biomedical approaches often fail to account for the intricate interplay of biological, cultural, and social factors contributing to these inequities. There is a pressing need for research that integrates biocultural perspectives to develop culturally appropriate interventions and promote equitable access to quality oral healthcare.

This Research Topic aims to explore the biocultural dimensions of oral health disparities, with the objective of understanding how cultural beliefs, practices, and socioeconomic factors interact with biological determinants to influence oral health outcomes. The research will focus on identifying the cultural and social factors that affect oral health behaviors, access to dental care, and dietary patterns. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to develop culturally sensitive interventions, educational programs, and accessible dental health services that align with diverse cultural norms. Collaborations between anthropologists, healthcare providers, and communities will be essential to designing holistic approaches that address both biological and cultural aspects, ultimately reducing oral health disparities across diverse populations.

To gather further insights into the biocultural perspectives on oral health disparities, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Cultural Practices and Oral Health: Investigate how cultural beliefs, traditions, and practices influence oral health behaviors, preventive measures, and treatment-seeking patterns.

- Socioeconomic Factors and Access to Dental Care: Examine the impact of socioeconomic disparities, including income, education, and geographic location, on access to dental services and its consequences for oral health outcomes.

- Biological Determinants in Cultural Contexts: Explore genetic, immunological, and biological factors influencing oral health within diverse cultural groups and how these factors interact with cultural practices.

- Interventions and Policies: Evaluate and propose culturally sensitive interventions, educational programs, and policy recommendations aimed at reducing oral health disparities across diverse cultural populations.

- Community Engagement and Collaborative Approaches: Highlight successful community-based initiatives and collaborative efforts involving healthcare providers, anthropologists, policymakers, and local communities in addressing oral health disparities.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Epidemiology, General Health, Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary Medicine, Oral Health, Well-being, Health Disparities, Health Perceptions, Quality of Life, Dental Services, Disadvantaged Populations, Interventions to Reduce Disparities

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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