Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Oral health is a critical indicator of overall health and well-being. Studies on Indigenous Peoples often indicate poorer oral health compared to non-Indigenous populations in Canada, but there is limited information specific to the oral health status of Métis people. The primary objective of this study was to describe the self-reported oral health of citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and examine the association between sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors and oral health status. This MNO-led project was conducted in partnership with the MNO's Healing & Wellness Branch, with the research question and survey development aligning with MNO priorities and undergoing cultural appropriateness review. The study used cross-sectional data collected through the 2024 MNO Health Survey, a population-based online survey. A total of 3,785 MNO citizens (aged 16 and older) successfully completed the survey. Findings show that 70.2% of MNO citizens reported good, very good, or excellent oral health. Crucially, strong socioeconomic disparities were identified. Citizens earning over $100,000 had nearly three times the odds of reporting good oral health compared to the lowest income group (under $24,999). Higher education was also highly predictive of better oral health, and oral health status tended to decrease for adults over 29 years of age. These results are provided to MNO staff and leadership to facilitate interpretation and evidence-based decision making. By identifying the key socioeconomic barriers influencing oral health, this research supports the MNO's path toward self-determination through data governance and sovereignty.