Professional dental care is increasingly conducted in multicultural environments. This article not only highlights disparities in oral and general health but also highlights the importance of cultural, religious, social, personal habits and practices and their effect on oral and general health and the need to adopt more holistic approaches to oral health promotion. Cultural beliefs, values and practices are often implicated as causes of oral health disparities, yet little is known about the breadth or adequacy of literature about cultural issues that could support these assertions. 

Keywords: Culture; Religion; Dietary habits; Family.