Enhancing the deadly smiles of families – WINNER

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community has had access to an innovative mobile oral health screening service.  

 

Consultant Oral Health Therapist Alison Dickinson said it was great to hold the first ever Deadly Smiles Oral Health Family Screening Days for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in 2021. 

“A large number of families and children came together to support the new Deadly Smiles service and take advantage of the free dental screening and fluoride varnish treatment on offer,” Alison said. 

“Putting preventive and screening measures in place and being more mobile in the community is a great opportunity to reach families where they live and play and being able to chat with parents helps raise awareness about oral health.  

“Hands-on oral health instruction and tailored advice gives them the knowledge and confidence to look after their teeth.” 

With support from the Better Together Health Van, two community events were held at Nundah Community Health Centre and the Koobara Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Kindergarten & Preschool in Zillmere.  

“The Deadly Smiles Program has been developed in conjunction with the COH Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health team and aims to improve access to dental care for First Nations people,” Ms Dickinson said.    

“The events included free dental check-ups, fluoride varnish treatment, healthy snacks and free preventative packs on offer.  

“Oral health assessments, oral hygiene and dietary advice and preventive treatment were provided to over 60 children, young adults and parents.  

“Parents also received diagnostic and preventive treatments as well as restorations and dentures.”  

Alison said for the first time we were able to offer parents the opportunity to be treated with their children at a school-based clinic of their choice.   

“Where more complex care was required the Child & Adolescent Oral Health Service partnered with the General Practice Oral Health Service to provide follow up care in adult facilities,” she said.   

“Deadly Smiles also provided a dental referral pathway to public sector oral health care facilities for children who may need extra dental care.”