Exploring oral health perception, dental care use, and barriers among permanent supportive housing residents in Quebec: a mixed-methods study

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs can improve access to health services, yet their impact on dental care remains underexplored. To explore the perception of oral health, dental care use, barriers to care, and expectations among residents of single-site and scattered-site PSH. Convergent mixed-methods were used. Quantitative data from a prior study (2023, n = 308) and a survey of 19 PSH residents were analyzed descriptively. Semi-structured interviews with the same 19 residents were thematically analyzed. Findings were compared across PSH models. Oral health outcomes differed between PSH models. Nearly half reported poor oral health; one-third experienced social withdrawal. Scattered-site residents had better continuity of care, while single-site residents had more unmet needs and less support navigating the system. A fixed address and occasional staff help enabled access, but support was inconsistent. Barriers included inadequate coverage, stigma, and logistical hurdles. Participants called for expanded public coverage, respectful care, and better support navigating dental care. Though PSH stabilizes housing conditions, critical barriers to dental care persist. Scattered-site residents reported more consistent dental service use, while single-site residents expressed deeper unmet needs. Policies should support navigation and expand public coverage to improve oral health equity.