Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) is committed to improving the oral health of all Victorians. An important strategy in achieving this is through the implementation of a range of health promotion programs and strategies which target the determinants of oral health.
What are determinants of oral health?
Determinants of oral health refer to the interactions of a broad range of influences such as nutrition, lifestyle, social connectedness, personal health and hygiene practices, socio-economic status, education, cultural beliefs, attitudes and level of health literacy. Determinants also include the level of access to oral health services and interventions available.
About our programs
DHSV’s health promotion programs and strategies are created to empower and support people to engage in health promoting behaviours and reduce factors that may influence negatively on their oral health. Interventions are based on a population health approach and incorporate a range of strategies, with a particular focus on targeting communities with the greatest need in order to decrease oral health inequalities.
Working collaboratively with partnering organisations and community groups to achieve sustainable oral health outcomes is an important component of our programs.
Find out more about our programs:
Defenders of the Tooth
Promoting oral health within disability accommodation services
Pension-Level Supported Residential Services (SRS) project
Smiles 4 Miles
Smiling Schools