Information and Experiences in Connection with Emergency Dental visits – an Exploratory Pilot Enquiry among Syrian Asylum-seeking Patients, Swedish Patients and Dental Staff

Objective Sweden has received a large number of asylum-seeking individuals in recent years and many refugees are in need of urgent dental care. Refugees do not usually receive regular information about the Swedish dental-care system and its regulations upon arrival. The study was aimed to examine information and experiences associated with emergency dental care among newly arrived Syrian asylum-seeking patients in comparison with Swedish patients and to monitor how the dental staff perceived these two groups of patients. The hypothesis was that the Syrian patients lacked information about the Swedish dental-care system and that they were more dissatisfied with their emergency treatments. Two questionnaires for patients and therapists relating to information and experiences in connection with emergency dental visits were produced. The questionnaires were distributed consecutively and responded to by 96% of all involved patients and care- givers. patients received less help with their reasons for treatment, were less satisfied with the treatment and experienced more fear. The therapists had greater difficulties in interpreting the Syrian patients’ fear, their satisfaction with treatment and whether or not their expectations were met. In order to achieve a mutuality in the communication and understanding between the newly arrived refugee as a patient and the dental staff, it is important to provide accurate information about the Swedish dental care system to the refugee before the first dental care visit. There is also a need for improved skills among the dental-care providers in communicating and interpreting patients from other countries and different cultures.