Detainees within immigration removal centres: a highly unique cohort of dental patients

In Britain, immigration detention is the system used for detaining irregular migrants in a secure setting, known as an immigration removal centre (IRC). Detainees include: foreign national ex-offenders who have completed a prison sentence in Britain, and are awaiting deportation; persons suspected of visa violations or illegal entry; and asylum seekers. Detainees are held until their identities are verified, or legal cases (claims or appeals) are processed to warrant a release or deportation. IRCs are expected to meet detainees’ most basic and essential needs, and provide the same standard of National Health Service care, which is available to the general public. However, IRCs are multifaceted establishments, and detainees are diverse individuals with wide-ranging circumstances – the complex interplay between these two entities may pose innumerable challenges for healthcare service providers and other relevant stakeholders. Within current literature, there is little research on dental care within IRCs, and detainees as dental patients. These are important topics, given the substantial increase in international migration; anticipated opening of additional IRCs to increase detention capacity; and advocation that oral health is a significant human right. This article aims to raise awareness about why IRC-based detainees are a remarkably unique cohort of dental patients. It considers factors that might contribute to such notion: socio-demographic characteristics, living environment, health-seeking behaviours, medical health and oral health considerations; and the need for: efficient dental care, culturally competent care, interdisciplinary care, and safeguarding. The article also aspires to guide best practice, encourage discussions, and promote further research.