Our findings suggest the need to move beyond
traditional risk factors and more closely examine
the impact of the social environment on oral health
beliefs, behavior, and outcomes. It is not enough to
focus on beliefs and behavioral risk factors; there is
a need to contextualize individual-level risk factors
by examining the social conditions and processes
that cause individuals to be exposed to health risks
and protective factors differentially. Attempting to
alter beliefs, behaviors, and access to services will
not likely influence health outcomes or reduce oral
health disparities if the ‘fundamental’ social determinants
of disease are not considered as well (44).
The study of psychosocial factors and their determinants
is a promising area for future oral health
research.