Table 1 Demographics and associated quote examples

 Male

30

 Female

100

Gender total

130

 18–23

31

 24–34

68

 35–44

19

 45–54

12

Age total

130

 Yes

60

 No

70

Total employment

130

 1–2 years

3

 3–6 years

10

 + 6 years

117

Total reside in U.S.

130

Number of children per household

Range = 1–5

Mean = 3

Age of children

Range = 1.8 mths–13

Mean = 8.2 years

Comment

Gender

Age of subject

Number of subject's children

Is subject employed?

Subject's employment

Time the subject has been living in the U.S.

“Infections happen when teeth are new because they (children) walk with friends or other children (and) because they share toys or candy.”

Female

18–24

1–2

Yes

Restaurant

<1 Year

“There are mothers who breastfeed but do not like it because they say your breasts drop. So they give them milk from the store and think that makes them benefit their children because milk now comes with vitamins; but the power of the mother is also best for the child.”

Female

18–24

1–2

Yes

Supermarket store

3–5 Years

“The child is so small, so his teeth cannot be washed properly.”

Female

25–34

3–4

Yes

Cleaning service

2–3 Years

“(I brush his teeth) maybe once or three times a week (when having) a mass of food buildup”.

Female

25–35

1–2

Yes

Restaurant

2–3 Years

"I took his card and used his insurance. I did this because without insurance I could not afford it and I had to think about the responsibility I have towards my wife and kids."

Male

18–24

3–4

Yes

No answer

1–2 Years

"We do not speak the language. If we have a problem and they (teeth) start to hurt, we cannot go to the dentist because of how we feel inhibited because we cannot speak English, not properly."

Male

18–24

3–4

Yes

Construction

1–2 Years

"I stay with the same dentist and he told me that I could change all my fillings so that the teeth do not look like they had fillings. But he said I would not recommend because the amalgams had more resistance. So even if they look ugly at least I'm healthy. Much depends on the doctor."

Male

18–24

3–4

Yes

Discount store

1–2 Years