Ana Simões Rupio
Oral Health as an Agent of Social Transformation: Breaking Cycles of Poverty through Preventive and Accessible Intervention
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sociology from the Faculty of Arts of the University of Porto (2006-2011).
- Sociologist at the Development and Training Department of EAPN Portugal/European Anti-Poverty Network since September 2023.
- Project coordinator at the NGO Mundo A Sorrir (2012 – 2023).
Nationality: Portugal
Scientific areas: In Our Agenda (Oral Health as an Agent of Social Transformation)
8 of november, from 14h30 until 16h00
Innovation Box
Conference summary
Oral health is a fundamental tool in breaking cycles of poverty, promoting self-esteem, quality of life, and, above all, social inclusion.
Currently, oral healthcare is not accessible to all and, as it is predominantly provided within the private sector, a large portion of the population remains vulnerable to severe oral health problems.
These issues have a direct impact on absenteeism rates in both the workplace and schools, as well as on access to the labour market. This situation increases existing inequalities, placing socioeconomically disadvantaged populations at risk of extreme poverty.
Prevention, combined with accessibility, is essential for oral health to truly play a decisive role in combating poverty and social inequality.