Oral Health-related Quality of Life Among 2SLGBTQIAPN+: A Systematic Review

Int Dent J. 2026 May 14;76(4):109624. doi: 10.1016/j.identj.2026.109624. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Emerging evidence indicates that 2-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, nonbinary and other sexual and gender minorities (2SLGBTQIAPN+) individuals experience disproportionately higher oral disease burdens, which may negatively affect their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). These inequities are associated with financial barriers, lower income, limited affordability of dental care and discrimination, such as misgendering in health care settings. Reviewing OHRQoL in this population is essential to understand the broader impacts of oral health disparities and to guide inclusive, culturally sensitive oral health policies and interventions. A systematic search was conducted on 1 March 2026 across EBSCOhost, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, without restrictions on publication year. After removing duplicates, 3 researchers independently performed the selection process, with disagreements resolved through discussion. Google Scholar, reference list screening and citation tracking of included studies were also used to identify additional relevant literature. The inclusion criteria encompassed observational studies that examined OHRQoL among 2SLGBTQIAPN+ individuals using at least 1 validated OHRQoL tool. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Three were conducted in Brazil and 1 each in India, Malaysia and Australia, with publication dates between 2018 and 2025. Half of the included studies (50%, 3/6) used the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 to measure OHRQoL, with psychological discomfort frequently reported as the most negatively affected domain. Poorer OHRQoL was associated with indicators of dental disease and psychosocial and structural factors, including gender identity, sexual orientation, suicidal ideation, challenges in accessing dental care and discrimination. Current evidence, though limited, suggests notable OHRQoL disparities among 2SLGBTQIAPN+ individuals. These findings highlight the need for more rigorous research and the development of inclusive oral health policies addressing the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIAPN+ populations.

PMID:42134191 | DOI:10.1016/j.identj.2026.109624