Building an understanding of Indigenous Health Workers’ role in oral health: A qualitative systematic review

Abstract

Colonization has had, and continues to have, such pervasive impacts on Indigenous peoples' well-being that the United Nations definition of Indigenous peoples centres around the idea of historical continuity with lands prior to invasion of colonial societies: 'Indigenous communities, peoples and nations are those which, having a historical continuity with pre-invasion and pre-colonial societies that developed on their territories, consider themselves distinct from other sectors of the societies now prevailing on those territories, or parts of them'. 1 The destructive impacts of government practices and societal continuance of colonization, assimilation and racism against Indigenous peoples' well-being are evidenced by the similar poor health outcomes experienced by Indigenous peoples globally. 2,3 The forcible removal of Indigenous peoples from their lands, prohibition of cultural practices and languages, and destruction of

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services: An Act of Resistance against Australia’s Neoliberal Ideologies

“…Through the provision of culturally responsive and comprehensive care, ACCHS reduce experiences of racism and barriers to accessing care, which progressively improves the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities [ 27 ]. ACCHS provide a cultural brokerage between biomedical conceptualizations of disease and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of well-being that build on familiar relationships of Community trust; both of these aspects are imperative to the comprehensive identification of patient needs and Community utilization of services [ 39 ]. The exploration of self-perceived health determinants among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples has identified the Community empowerment related to ACCHS as associated with improved healthcare-seeking and Community well-being [ 40 ].…”

“…While ACCHS continue to receive funding from the Australian state, the expenditure increases since the 1990s remains insufficient to overcome the disproportionate burden of mortality and morbidity experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as adequate salary rates to retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff [ 39 , 43 ]. Funding structures must reflect the relative and specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; the continued struggle for adequate funding experienced by ACCHS represents practical constraints on the embodiment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination within the Australian state.…”

Oral health promotion and programming provided by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in South Australia

“…The development of a structured and regulated oral health education and awareness program for ACCHOs and Aboriginal Health Workers in South Australia would enable ongoing discussions about community oral health needs and an opportunity for training to address those needs. State‐wide training opportunities would ensure uniformity across services and equip health workers with the confidence to start a conversation about oral health with clients, inquire about dental needs, and facilitate dental referrals 40 . Funding for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Oral Health Coordinator to oversee the delivery of training programs and oral health promotion across South Australia would provide necessary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in this space.…”

“…40 Funding for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Oral Health Coordinator to oversee the delivery of training programs and oral health promotion across South Australia would provide necessary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in this space. Finally, the development of pictorial oral health and nutrition information specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the provision of electronic formats of these infographics would enable ACCHOs to share oral health promotion on a more regular basis.…”

Health professionals delivering oral health interventions in early childhood: A scoping review of Australian and New Zealand literature

“…14,[32][33][34] These findings are corroborated by other recent works and include the lack of funding for staff, poor staff retention, poorly defined roles and scope, and the need for formal oral health training. 42,43 The importance of language and cultural safety when engaging families and communities was highlighted 42,44 by the NDHPs involved in implementing OHP strategies in these communities.…”