PhD defence by Marie Skov Kristensen

Dental Care among Danish Individuals in Vulnerable Positions - Utilization and Experiences of a Subsidy Scheme

Assessment Committee:
Professor Ole Steen Mortensen (Chairperson)
Professor Pernille Tangaard Andersen
Professor Richard G Watt

Supervisors:
Professor Esben Boeskov Øzhayat
Professor Annette Kjær Ersbøll
Associate Professor Ingelise Andersen,

Department:
Department of Odontology

Graduate Programme:
Public Health and Epidemiology

Place:
Bygning 20, stuen, Room: Victor Haderup, Blegdamsvej 3B, København N 2200

Email address to gain access to the thesis: mskovkristensen@gmail.com
You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy.

Short description of the thesis:
This PhD examines social inequalities in oral health and access to dental care among socially vulnerable citizens in Denmark. Focusing on the Danish municipal dental subsidy scheme (§82a and §82), the thesis investigates both patterns of use and individuals’ experiences of the scheme in practice. Combining register-based analyses with qualitative interviews, the project explores how financial hardship, administrative procedures, health problems, and social vulnerability shape people’s ability to access dental care. The thesis also examines how poor oral health affects everyday functioning, self-confidence, and social participation, and how dental treatment may support social reintegration and opportunities for participation in daily life. The findings contribute new insights into oral health inequalities, welfare systems, and equitable access to healthcare.