Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating a Program to Address the Oral Health Needs of Aboriginal Children in Port Augusta, Australia

Abstract

Aboriginal Australian children experience profound oral health disparities relative to their non-Aboriginal counterparts. In response to community concerns regarding Aboriginal child oral health in the regional town of Port Augusta, South Australia, a child dental health service was established within a Community Controlled Aboriginal Health Service. A partnership approach was employed with the key aims of (1) quantifying rates of dental service utilisation, (2) identifying factors influencing participation, and (3) planning and establishing a program for delivery of Aboriginal children's dental services that would increase participation and adapt to community needs. In planning the program, levels of participation were quantified and key issues identified through semistructured interviews. After 3.5 years, the participation rate for dental care among the target population increased from 53 to 70 percent. Key areas were identified to encourage further improvements and ensure sustainability in Aboriginal child oral health in this regional location.

Appointment attendance at a remote rural dental training facility in Australia

“…Whilst there are a significant number of remote and rural dental clinical projects in Australia [27-32], a detailed analysis of appointment keeping in these settings is not common. A study in rural South Australia showed that the prevalence of missed appointments was lower than our study at about 13.5% and most were due to failure to attend [21]. The setting was however larger than Brewarrina, with a population of almost 14,000 people.…”

“…Females were at higher odds to cancel and this may be due to family (care of children) needs taking priority [21]. Young adults were at more than 4 times higher odds to FTA compared to older patients and this may be due to forgetfulness, work or other issues taking priority such as the care of young children.…”

“…The high percentage of non-attended appointments may also be due to the structure and operations of the clinic, which is largely based on the usual public sector system of specific appointments [21]. This rigidity may not be appropriate for rural Indigenous settings due to differences in the concept of time.…”

“…For dental clinics, the oral health status of the person (higher caries experience and caries activity) may also predict appointment keeping behaviour [6,19]. The cultural appropriateness of the dental service might also impact on the level of non-attended appointments [21]. …”

Oral Health Programmes in Indigenous Communities Worldwide—Lessons learned from the field: A qualitative systematic review

“…Two studies, which involved regular fluoride varnish or mouthrinse, clinical dental services and an element of health education, reported successful clinical outcomes including an increase in caries‐free status or lower percentage of children with active decay . The third study achieved an increased participation rate of aboriginal children in a specific Aboriginal Child Dental Program …”