Ensuring Cultural Safety in the Dental Office In thediverseandcomplex landscapeofCanadianhealthcare, the concept of cultural safety has emerged as a foundational principle for delivering equitable and effective care. For many Indigenous communities, acknowledging historical injustices and fostering an inclusive health care environment is crucial. Dr. Sheri McKinstry, a pediatric dentist from Saskatoon and a member of Sagkeeng First Nation, sheds light on how embracing cultural safety is vital for enhancing patient-provider relationships and for improving dental care for some of Canada’s most vulnerable populations. The Importance of Cultural Safety Cultural safety transcends awareness of cultural differences; it emphasizes the need for health care providers, including dentists, to actively engage in practices that respect and honour the cultural identities of their patients. For many Indigenous Peoples, experiences of colonization, forced assimilation, and residential schools have led to significant mistrust of all health care systems. This mistrust often manifests as a reluctance to seek dental care, resulting in poorer oral health outcomes. “For Indigenous Peoples, racism, discrimination and stigma have created significant inequities in health in comparison to non-Indigenous Canadians,” she explains. These inequities have only intensified in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change. Dr. Sheri McKinstry, is a pediatric dentist from Saskatoon, SK, and a founding member of the Indigenous Dental Association of Canada. 34 | 2024 | Issue 5
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