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An Associate Professor of Dental Public Health at Al-Quds University, Dr Elham Kateeb is a research affiliate at the Public Policy Center of the University of Iowa and an Adjunct Professor at the Global Oral Health Department of Temple University. Her expertise as a health services researcher and community dentistry specialist enables her to promote better oral health in both local and global settings. Dr Kateeb currently serves as the elected Chair of the Public Health Committee of the International Dental Federation and is also a Steering Board Member at VISTO International for Rights and Development and the Global Movement for Sustainable Health Equity. Furthermore, she is the Co-Chair of the Palestine Chapter of the Organization for Women in Science. Dr. Kateeb earned her PhD in Dental Public Health from the University of Iowa and she has also been a Diplomate of the ABDPH since 2013.

Oral Health as a Human Right for Refugees

This session is dedicated to emphasizing oral health as a fundamental human right for refugees. The session will shed light on the challenges faced by refugees in accessing oral health services, emphasizing the urgent need to prioritize and promote oral health within refugee populations.

Presentations from projects funded by the FDI Refugee Oral Health Project will be featured, showcasing innovative approaches and advocacy tools developed to affirm and address refugees' right to oral health. By exploring the impact of limited resources, displacement, and cultural barriers on refugees' oral health, the session aims to raise awareness and encourage the integration of oral health into primary healthcare systems for refugees. The overarching goal is to empower policymakers, healthcare providers, and organizations to take decisive steps in ensuring equitable access to essential oral health services as a fundamental component of refugee health and well-being.

Learning objectives

  • Recognize oral health as a fundamental human right for refugees
  • Explore the impact of limited resources, displacement, and cultural barriers on refugees' access to optimal, timely and affordable oral health care.
  • Discuss strategies for policymakers, healthcare providers, and organizations to integrate oral health into current and future refugee health strategies.