Student-Led Dental Clinic in Rural Queensland Boosts Indigenous Oral Health

AUSTRALIA: A recent study conducted by the University of Queensland (UQ) has revealed the significant improvements in oral health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in rural Queensland, thanks to a student-led dental clinic. 

This clinic, situated in Dalby, southwest Queensland, has been operating since 2013 as a collaborative effort between UQ’s School of Dentistry and the Aboriginal community-controlled health service, Goondir Health Services.

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Culturally Appropriate Care for Indigenous Communities

Dr Sandra March, a representative from UQ’s School of Dentistry, shared that the Dalby clinic has been instrumental in providing culturally appropriate and timely oral health care. Each year, approximately 800 Indigenous patients from Dalby and the Greater Western Downs region receive free oral health care services. 

These services are administered by fifth-year students enrolled in UQ’s Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) program, under the supervision of registered and experienced dental practitioners.

Dr. March highlighted the mutual benefits of this model, stating, “By the end of 2023, more than 180 students will have completed a rural Indigenous clinical outplacement at the Dalby clinic. We found this powerful learning environment developed students’ skills and knowledge in culturally appropriate dental care.”

Addressing Disparities in Indigenous Oral Health

Associate Professor Ratilal Lalloo, also from UQ’s School of Dentistry, stressed the critical need for culturally sensitive dental care, particularly in Indigenous communities, which often face limited access, especially in remote areas. Dr Lalloo noted that Indigenous individuals experience higher rates of dental issues, including caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss, compared to non-Indigenous populations. The study sought to understand the barriers to oral health care by collaborating with Indigenous representatives from Goondir Health Services and local community groups.

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Integration Within the Goondir Health Services

The student dental clinic operates within the Goondir Health Services premises in Dalby. Dr Lalloo explained, “Referrals for dental care are integral to Goondir’s holistic healthcare model,” highlighting the synergy between general and oral health care. 

The local community reported not only increased knowledge of oral health but also improved general health outcomes and better access to a culturally safe and appropriate model of care. Additionally, the study found that waiting times for government-funded dental clinics were reduced, indicating that the student clinic helped alleviate the strain on the public healthcare system.

Model for the Future

Goondir Health Services CEO Floyd Leedie sees this unique partnership as a potential blueprint for other allied health fields in regional and rural Australia. He stated, “The two-way relationship between general and oral health and accessibility to both primary health care services and oral health services in one location reduces the chance of negative impacts to our clients’ overall health.”

This successful collaboration between the University of Queensland and Goondir Health Services in Dalby highlights the potential to bridge healthcare disparities in Indigenous communities while offering valuable training opportunities for aspiring dental professionals.