South-south migration as a social determinant of impact on oral health inequalities and inequities in Latin America

Abstract

Latin American countries have been facing an important social and demographic phenomenon known as South-South migration, which differs from the classic South-North migration pattern due to the lower social and governmental response capacity and similar social and health conditions in both populations (migrants and natives). Oral health is not excluded from this situation and must be analyzed from an integrative proposal that involves demographic, social, and economic factors and those of the migratory process. This article reviews the existing literature in different geographical contexts, identifying conceptual and methodological gaps, and proposing an analysis of migration as a social determinant with an impact on oral health inequalities and inequities. This is the starting point for presenting a conceptual framework that explains the stages and moments faced by migrant groups, identifying the factors that affect the oral health of this population. In conclusion, migration and its relationship with oral health in the Latin American context are in a scientific construction stage and it implies the need to generate research proposals based on the social reality lived by those directly involved and from different methodologies. Similarly, action strategies are required at different levels and with different actors from interdisciplinary approaches, recognizing oral health as a fundamental right linked to general health, for all citizens, regardless of their origin.