10 • Advice


Building trust is key to providing care to LGBT patients, who often have complex health needs


A


CARE INCLUSIVE


T FIRST glance, it may not be obvious exactly how dental care can differ for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (LGBT). But those who fall into this patient group often have


complex health needs, leading to issues such as increased risk of smoking-related mouth infections or oral health


issues relating to the use of hormone medication or HIV status. It is crucial that dental care providers create a safe and inclusive


environment where all patients can disclose information that may be relevant for their healthcare and treatment. This is especially relevant for LGBT patients, who often experience discrimination and difficulties in accessing healthcare. Those who do


access services may not be aware of how their sexual orientation, gender identity, trans status or any other protected characteristic (as outlined by the Equality Act 2010) can affect their oral health.


Risk factors Within healthcare there can be a lack of understanding regarding the specific health needs of LGBT people. This knowledge gap may become apparent in services that are exclusively designed for heterosexual people and those who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.


It is important that LGBT patients can be open with their dentist as there are specific factors that can affect oral health.


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