More than Just Pulling Teeth: The Impact of Dental Care on Patients' Lived Experiences.

Objectives: To explore the psychosocial impacts of dentistry as described by patients.

Methods: I conducted 6 qualitative interviews with people whose access to dental care had been limited because of financial barriers, but who had recently undergone significant treatment through a dental outreach program.

Results: In addition to physical benefits (including improved sleep and diet), participants discussed how dental treatment led to a greater level of confidence and an improved self-concept. They provided powerful examples of how this confidence boost improved their social interactions and relationships. They also felt more confident about their employability.

Conclusion: The benefits of adequate dental care extend well beyond its physical and medical aspects. Dental health is connected inextricably with people's sense of self and social functioning. The far-reaching consequences of dentistry explored in this research raise questions about the inequalities in Canada's current system and the need to address them.