Aboriginal liaison project

• Reach:

  SA

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

The Aboriginal liaison project aims to improve oral health outcomes for Indigenous people in South Australia by increasing the number of people accessing mainstream dental services. This is achieved by implementing a community development process. This project refers eligible adult Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for emergency and general dental treatment at one of the participating sites. Aboriginal Health Workers are involved with the referral of clients to their local SA Dental Service Community Dental Clinic based on an oral health assessment. An Aboriginal Liaison Officer is located at each dental clinic to assist with the appointment of clients. SA Dental Service staff in the sites have attended cultural awareness training.

The Aboriginal liaison project has helped to increase confidence in mainstream dental services. The success of the referral system has been due to the strong partnership between the SA Dental Service and the Aboriginal Community Health Services. By continuing work in the existing sites, expanding to other areas of the SA Dental Service and consulting further with local community members, this program will continue to improve.

Contacts

Kellie Graves
Aboriginal Liaison Project Officer
Aboriginal Oral Health Program
SA Dental Service
Health Promotion Unit
180 Flinders Street
Adelaide SA 5001
Ph: (08) 8222 9003
Email: kellie.graves@health.sa.gov.au

Links

• View resource: Oral health assessment form (PDF - 23.3 KB)
• View resource: Referral flow chart (PDF - 25.8 KB)
• View information: Aboriginal liaison project
• View information: Aboriginal liaison project
• View website: Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health
• View website: South Australian Dental Service