Positive oral health outcomes: A partnership model improves care in a rural Indigenous community

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the benefits of a partnership between a university dental school and a Community Controlled Health Service, specifically in relation to improving the oral health of an underserved rural Indigenous community. We sought community opinions on health and social outcomes arising from the service provided by the dental student clinical outplacement. Setting In Dalby, Queensland. Participants In total, 38 participants in five focus groups were representative of local Indigenous community Elders, community health support group members and management and staff. Design A descriptive qualitative study employing semi‐structured audio‐recorded focus group discussions conducted with purposefully selected Indigenous community groups to explore participant views and experience of the partnership model. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results The Indigenous community representatives expressed positive benefit in both their general and oral health awareness, in improved access to dental care provided in their own safe space, while they were pleased to assist with students' learning. They viewed the partnership as mutually beneficial. Suggestions for enhancement of the oral health service were also offered. Conclusion This partnership between a university and a Community Controlled Health Service provides sustainable positive social and health benefits for the targeted Indigenous community and for the wider local population, while simultaneously providing enhanced educational benefits for students on clinical outplacement. Translation and uptake of this successful model of care would benefit both underserved communities and dental and other health care professional educators worldwide.

Positive impacts of oral health services provision by a student‐led primary care clinic to an Australian rural indigenous community

“…Services delivered by the university clinic transitioned over time to a more health‐focussed approach which resulted in less tooth loss and more tooth preservation. Simultaneously, community oral health and oral health awareness improved 11 . The non‐Indigenous community also experienced improved access to care as waiting times for care at the public dental clinic were reduced because the student‐led clinic partly eased the public clinic's case load.…”

“…Simultaneously, community oral health and oral health awareness improved. 11 The non-Indigenous community also experienced improved access to care as waiting times for care at the public dental clinic were reduced because the student-led clinic partly eased the public clinic's case load.…”

“…10 Additional evidence of positive Indigenous oral health outcomes generated by this partnership model of care can go further to support the case for long-term government and university investment in sustainability. 11 This study aimed to explore impacts of the Dalby dental student outplacement clinic on population oral health care provision and access by addressing the following research questions:…”

“…The Goondir Indigenous people have embraced the dental clinic integrated within their health service as their own and delivery of culturally appropriate oral health care, a known factor key to addressing access disparities is facilitated 10 . Additional evidence of positive Indigenous oral health outcomes generated by this partnership model of care can go further to support the case for long‐term government and university investment in sustainability 11 …”