Early intervention service supports vulnerable oral health patients
Specialist Special Needs Dentistry capability has expanded across north Brisbane and Moreton Bay to enhance care for individuals who require clinically complex treatment. Pictured are Belinda Klumpp and Dr David Fu.
An innovative new oral health program in Moreton Bay and Brisbane’s north is providing access to necessary oral health care to the most vulnerable in our community.
Oral Health Service Director of General Practice Division Director Dr Christopher Butson said it was critical to provide the same access to oral health care for people who are aged over 90, are seeking mental health treatment as an inpatient, or are homeless.
“Your teeth are such an important part of your health and ongoing physical and emotional wellbeing,” Dr Butson said.
“For many patients access to regular dental checkups can be problematic, especially as they age, or experience mental health issues or homelessness.
“Everyone deserves access to health care no matter what their circumstances.
“With the proper care, the risk of tooth decay and serious health concerns can be minimised and their overall wellbeing improved.”
The new Oral Health Vulnerable People Program (VVP) is currently supporting and prioritising patients aged over 90 years in the Kallangur region, and mental health inpatients at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH).
“We have prioritised patients aged over 90 years especially at our Kallangur Satellite Oral Health Clinic,” Dr Butson said.
“Older adults and patients over 90 years are now routinely reviewed every six months, ensuring continuity of care and early management of their oral health concerns.”
As part of VVP last year, around thirty mental health inpatients have been cared for and treated at TPCH, strengthening partnerships across teams and improving patient outcomes.
Dr Butson said people with complex medical needs were also being catered for in clinics across the region including those experiencing social disadvantage such as homelessness.
“Staff are going into the community, with the purpose of building relationships and enhancing wellbeing of homeless people at sites including Redcliffe Breakfast
Club, Sandbags Community Centre and Spring Hill Emergency hostel housing,” he said.
“Across the wider region, we have expanded our Specialist Special Needs Dentistry capability and dentist skills to allow us to enhance care for individuals who require clinically complex treatment.
“This upskilling of staff has contributed to a measurable reduction in waiting times for this vulnerable group.”
As part of the VPP service, new models of care have been introduced to remove barriers to timely treatment at oral health clinics cross Moreton Bay and Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
“These cohorts would typically wait up to two years on the general public dental waitlist; however, targeted outreach and collaborative care pathways have enabled earlier intervention for those most at risk of oral disease,” Dr Butson said.
The General Practice Oral Health Service is dedicated to delivering equitable, safe, and compassionate oral health services for our most vulnerable patients, in alignment with Metro North Health’s values and commitment to exceptional care.