A political economy of oral health services in Nunavut

Abstract

Objectives. We wanted to consider what factors influence oral health care services and carried out an Ethnographic Case Study in Nunavut. Methods. Participant observation, document review, stakeholder interviews. Results. This study argues that four general factors influence oral health care in Nunavut. Conclusion. These factors delimit oral health and care in Nunavut by influencing people’s oral health, their experiences with health and disease, and ultimately the positions and practices of individuals within this system of care. Thus these factors contribute to (or take away from) the ability for positive change in the oral health of Nunavut residents. It is in settling debates within the latter two factors that an appreciable difference can be made in the oral health and care of Nunavut residents.

Key Words:

• Aboriginal Health
• Oral Health
• Dental Care
• Political Economy
• Nunavut