Significant Barriers to Access of Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Care in Low-Income Countries

Abstract

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) plays a crucial role in treating the global burden of non-communicable diseases, yet accessing OMFS in low-income countries (LICs) remains limited, posing a public health issue that needs to be addressed. Global Surgical Crisis Two-thirds of the global population are unable to access safe, timely and affordable surgery, and run the risk of falling into financial catastrophe if they seek treatment. However, this is not the only barrier people living in LICs face, as factors such as lack of specialist training, inadequate healthcare funding, geographical limitations, and cultural beliefs all contribute to the struggle of attaining OMFS. Many LICs lack the manpower and infrastructure necessary to cater to their population, and stigma surrounding facial deformities forces individuals to live a life of invisibility-further delaying treatment. Unmet Surgical Needs - Mercy Ships Global efforts such as those by Mercy Ships provide life-saving and life-changing surgery to those in need to reduce the unmet surgical demands. However, this only addresses some barriers to access of specialist surgical care. Without addressing systemic issues like protocols, a lack of trust in healthcare, and inadequate investment into countries' medical systems, the global south will continue to struggle with this burden. Conclusion(s): Tackling these barriers not only requires emergency relief but also long-term investment into developing the healthcare systems in LICs-providing "space, stuff, staff and systems."Copyright © 2025