Profile of the oral health among ambulant older Greek and Italian migrants living in Melbourne

Abstract

Background: Over the last 50 years an increasing number of migrants have settled in Australia. These immigrants now constitute a large proportion of the Australian population, and some research suggests that they may be at high-risk for oral diseases. Methods: This paper presents data on the oral health status of a convenience sample of 721 ambulant Greek- (n=367) and Italian-born (n=354) adults aged 55 years or older. The volunteer participants were recruited through ethnic social clubs located in Melbourne, Australia. Results: The sample was largely a dentate one (83.6 per cent); with a mean DMFS score of 67.5 (s.d. 37.4). Dentate participants had 13 per cent of their restorative care unme..