We work in a multicultural society and modern healthcare delivery demands that the religious, cultural and ethical beliefs of patients be considered as a part of their treatment. There is therefore an increasing need to understand other cultures.
We have attempted to address this need by developing this book to provide members of the dental team with a reference source to culturally sensitive care in everyday clinical practice. This is not a text about technical dentistry. Neither is this book intended to cover the orofacial problems that can affect people of various cultures and lifestyles, although they are mentioned where relevant. This book is about patient care.
The knowledge base to be culturally sensitive is enormous. Lists of cultural traits and religious customs and beliefs can help, but inevitably give a very false impression of uniformity. Thus, in making reference to such lists, it is crucial to remember that there is considerable variation within every cultural and religious group and to avoid stereotyping. The information given applies only to certain patients. It is not a recipe for all solutions: we simply provide guidelines as a starting point for individualising dental healthcare. Individuals' views, practices, needs and wishes vary widely and can be influenced by religion, ethnicity, educational, socioeconomic, acculturational and other factors.
This book is presented in three sections. The first section covers the many aspects of culturally sensitive healthcare, the second section outlines features of various religions and faiths and the third discusses cultural groups. In the second and third sections, topics have been arranged alphabetically for convenience. We do not attempt to be comprehensive. Cross-referencing has been essential.
Although we are based in the United Kingdom, we hope that our efforts will help improve culturally sensitive oral healthcare worldwide.
