In this episode, Harmony Miller, an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer (AHLO) at The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, joins host Jodii Geddes to provide valuable insights into oral health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The conversation covers how mob can easily access culturally safe dental health services and the challenges that might prevent them from doing so, such as the shame and stigma often associated with visiting a dentist. Harmony emphasises the importance of regular oral health checks, especially given the higher risk of dental issues in communities with prevalent chronic health conditions like diabetes.
Harmony also discusses the significance of being vigilant about oral health by regularly checking for any unusual bumps, lumps, or spots in the mouth, which could be early signs of serious conditions like infections or oral cancer. She also highlights the necessity of providing the community with more enhanced culturally safe dental services that cater specifically to the needs of the community which help make dental care more accessible and less intimidating.
Episode 15:
This session also highlights the necessity of using culturally safe dental services that cater specifically to the needs of the community, making dental care more accessible and less intimidating. Listeners will also learn about key programs aimed at improving oral health in Indigenous communities. These include:
- Smile Squad Program – a free school dental program which provides specialised dental services, including check-ups and treatments, tailored to community needs.
- Aboriginal Health Practitioner-led Fluoride Varnish Program – launched in 2022, this program was developed to combat cases of tooth decay, and safeguard and improve oral health within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by training non-dental professionals to administer fluoride varnish.
For more information, tips and practical advice on how you and the community can access the right services and resources, listen to the full episode above or via the 3knd soundcloud.
