Oral health disparities and social determinants in Cameroon: a scoping review

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Abstract Background Oral health disparities represent a major but under-prioritized public health challenge in Cameroon. Despite a growing burden of caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss, oral health remains marginalized within national policy. Understanding the social determinants driving inequities is essential to designing effective, equitable interventions. Objective This scoping review aimed to synthesize available evidence on oral health disparities and their social determinants in Cameroon, highlighting population-level inequities, systemic gaps, and policy implications. Methods Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published between 2000 and 2024. Search terms included “oral health”, “dental care”, “Cameroon”, “disparities”, “inequities”, “rural,” “urban” and “socioeconomic”. Eligible studies addressed determinants or inequities in oral health within Cameroon. Data were extracted using a standardized charting framework that covered study design, populations, socioeconomic factors, and key findings. The findings were then synthesized narratively. Results Fifteen studies (2011–2023) were included, spanning urban, rural, semi-urban, indigenous, refugee, and elderly populations, with sample sizes ranging from 73 to 2287 participants. The majority (87%) were cross-sectional. Findings revealed a consistent urban-rural divide, with 93% of dentists concentrated in Yaoundé and Douala, leaving the rest underserved. Financial hardship, long distances, cultural reliance on traditional healers, and lack of insurance were key barriers. Preventive services were rarely accessed, while extractions and symptomatic care dominated treatment. Mid-level providers and NGOs played a critical role in filling service gaps. Policy frameworks remain fragmented, with weak enforcement of Law No. 80 − 09 (1980) and limited integration of oral health into primary health care. Conclusion The review identified consistent patterns of oral health disparities associated with socioeconomic, geographic, and health system factors. Vulnerable groups, including rural children, refugees, and the elderly, face the greatest unmet needs. Addressing these challenges requires expanding insurance coverage, scaling up training for mid-level providers, integrating oral health into primary health care, and implementing context-specific, equity-driven policies aligned with the WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan.