Aboriginal health workers | professional information

Resources for aboriginal health workers

Aboriginal health workers

Aboriginal health/support workers play an important role in promoting good health in their communities. The information below provides an overview of the programs and resources available to you to help improve the oral health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Oral health promotion programs

Healthy Families, Healthy Smiles

	Healthy Families, Healthy Smiles is a Dental Health Services Victoria initiative aimed at improving the oral health of Victorian children aged 0–3 years and pregnant women. For information about how this program is working with Aboriginal Health Services, see the project page.

	Learn more about Healthy Families, Healthy Smiles

.................................................................................................................
Smiles 4 Miles

	Smiles 4 Miles is an oral health promotion initiative implemented in early childhood settings in partnership with local organisations. DHSV is currently working with Aboriginal services to make the Smiles 4 Miles program more culturally appropriate. If you would like to know more, please contact the Smiles 4 Miles team.

	Learn more about Smiles 4 Miles

.................................................................................................................
Global Child Oral Health Taskforce tooth packs

	DHSV distributes children's toothbrushes and toothpaste to Victorian communities on behalf of the Global Child Oral Health Taskforce. We distribute through community partners, including the Koori Maternity Service and Aboriginal Best Start.

	If you work in one of these areas and would like to participate, contact the Health Promotion team on 9341 1203, or email healthpromotion@dhsv.org.au.

.................................................................................................................

Resources for you

Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients

	DHSV can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to navigate the dental health system.

	Read more about how DHSV can support

.................................................................................................................
Lift the lip video (New Zealand Dental Association)

	Lift the lip – a quick technique to check the health of children's teeth. It is part of the Commonwealth Healthy Kids Check, and is included in the RACGP Guidelines for Clinical Preventative Activities in GP Practice as part of the general physical examination of children.

	View and learn more about the lift the lip technique

.................................................................................................................
The links between oral health and general health

	Studies show that poor oral health is connected to major chronic diseases. This report released by Dental Health Services Victoria explains how dental health is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, stroke, dementia and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

	Read more about the links between oral and general health [PDF - 471 KB]