Julie G Satur
The University of Melbourne University, Melbourne Dental School, Department Member
- Dr Julie Satur has an international reputation for leading research and education in oral health with a current appoi... moreDr Julie Satur has an international reputation for leading research and education in oral health with a current appointment as Professor of Oral Health at the Melbourne Dental School, Director of Engagement and Indigenous Programs and senior researcher. She is a registered dental therapist, with post graduate studies in preschool oral health, health promotion, health policy and regulation. Julie has led Oral Health Therapy discipline education, accreditation and research for over 20 years and is research active in oral health inequalities, intersectoral partnership work, and oral health workforce. Julie has been active over many years in professional regulation and in public oral health policy for Australian State and Commonwealth governments and more recently, in the USA around dental therapy practice.edit
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Involvement in oral health organisations and professional bodies (e.g. professional associations, specialists’ organisations, etc.) can end up influencing population oral health, law and health policies. Along with their advocacy roles,... more
Involvement in oral health organisations and professional bodies (e.g. professional associations, specialists’ organisations, etc.) can end up influencing population oral health, law and health policies. Along with their advocacy roles, this can be seen as part of oral health professionals’ responsibility beyond their clinics and dental offices. Oral health professionals need to use any available opportunity to work to ensure that oral health programmes and oral health care services can achieve the expected effect. This chapter provides a description of the options and discusses the many opportunities offered by local, state, national and international dental associations and specialist organisations. We also discuss the activities of international organisations (e.g. WHO, Med Sans Frontieres, etc.) that play an active and important role in improving health and well-being. An oral health professional can contribute to these efforts by providing specialised knowledge on this subject, for example, as an elected Board member, employee, intern or an oral health advisor at an international oral health programme. The chapter will also provide a description and reflection on how oral health professionals can be involved in these associations and organisations and include the authors’ insights gained from personal experience working in these areas.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
ObjectivesMelbourne Dental School’s (MDS) rural dental clinical placement program operates in two Victorian rural areas and offers final year dental students an integrated program of practical clinical experience and rural lifestyle... more
ObjectivesMelbourne Dental School’s (MDS) rural dental clinical placement program operates in two Victorian rural areas and offers final year dental students an integrated program of practical clinical experience and rural lifestyle exposure. The objective of this study was to understand the student’s experiences to determine whether they increased the likelihood of them seeking rural employment after graduation.DesignThe University of Melbourne final year dental students attended 5‐week mandatory rural clinical placements in 2018 and 2019. At the completion of their placement, students were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire about their experiences, which had both quantitative and qualitative questions. This study examined the qualitative data using thematic analysis to identify common themes.SettingRural clinical dental placements at Goulburn Valley Health and Latrobe Community Health Service.ParticipantsFinal year dentistry and oral health students.InterventionsClinical placement evaluation questionnaire.Main outcome measuresTo examine dental students interest in rural practicepost rural clinical placement.ResultsOf the 129 students who completed the survey, 116 completed the open‐ended questions and four themes were identified. Rich clinical experience; social capital; rural life and infrastructure. High levels of satisfaction were reported across all themes.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the rural clinical program to be a positive and enjoyable placement which increased dental students’ clinical practice experience and their interest in considering rural practice upon graduation. Exposure to rural lifestyle and supportive clinical and social relationships were shown to be important influences. The current survey can benefit from refinement and further research following up MDS graduate workplace locations is recommended.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
C2 - Journal Articles Unreferee
Research Interests: Medicine and Oral health
Research Interests: Medicine and Oral health
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Background: in this protocol we outline a method of working alongside Aboriginal communities to learn about and facilitate improvement in the oral health habits in Aboriginal adolescents. By facilitating positive oral health in Aboriginal... more
Background: in this protocol we outline a method of working alongside Aboriginal communities to learn about and facilitate improvement in the oral health habits in Aboriginal adolescents. By facilitating positive oral health in Aboriginal adolescents, we hope to achieve lifelong improvement in oral health and general wellbeing. Methods: this paper outlines a co-design methodology through which researchers and Aboriginal communities will work together to create a custom oral healthcare program aimed at Aboriginal adolescents. Researchers, a youth advisory group, Aboriginal community-controlled health services and three regional NSW communities will together devise an oral health strategy focused on five components: application of topical fluoride, increasing water consumption, improving nutrition, daily toothbrushing, and enhancing social and emotional wellbeing. Capacity building is a key outcome of this program. Discussion: as the gap in health status between Aboriginal and non-Abo...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Oral health care offers a wide variety of roles for those considering a career in the oral health professions. Although the titles and definitions of these professions vary between countries, they are generally described as dental... more
Oral health care offers a wide variety of roles for those considering a career in the oral health professions. Although the titles and definitions of these professions vary between countries, they are generally described as dental surgeons or dentists, specialist dentists, dental therapists/oral health therapists, dental hygienists, dental technicians, dental prosthetists, and dental assistants. Students considering a career in oral health should note the various different professions and understand that each one is defined by the education and training required. The educational pathway for each profession also varies considerably between countries. For example, in many countries, dental surgeons or dentists are required to complete a 5 or 6 year full-time university degree. In the USA and some European countries, students must undertake a two-part or graduate degree structure, completing a Bachelor degree (e.g., Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences) before progressing to a 4-year profes...
Research Interests:
Background This study explored the oral health promotion practices of Australian community mental health professionals working with people living with severe mental illness (SMI). Methods An anonymous cross-sectional web-based survey was... more
Background This study explored the oral health promotion practices of Australian community mental health professionals working with people living with severe mental illness (SMI). Methods An anonymous cross-sectional web-based survey was distributed to all Community Rehabilitation and Support Workers (CRSWs) working at Neami National (n = 471), an Australian community mental health service. The validated questionnaire assessed participants’ self-rated oral health knowledge and confidence (7 questions); their perceived barriers (9 questions) and attitudes (5 questions) to oral health promotion; and their oral health promotion practices (7 questions). Differences in responses between groups were analysed using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and Mann–Whitney U tests. Logistic Regression Analysis served to explore the probability of providing oral health support to mental health consumers. Results A total of 141 CRSWs were included in this study, achieving a response rate of 30 percent. Rou...
Research Interests:
ObjectivesMotivational interviewing (MI) is a promising behavioural intervention for prevention of dental caries in children. Few studies have reported on fidelity of MI delivered in dental settings. The aim of this paper is to explore... more
ObjectivesMotivational interviewing (MI) is a promising behavioural intervention for prevention of dental caries in children. Few studies have reported on fidelity of MI delivered in dental settings. The aim of this paper is to explore the fidelity of implementing MI in a clinical dental practice setting, as part of an intervention study investigating caries‐preventive effects of MI delivered to high‐caries‐risk children and their primary caregivers.MethodsThree oral health therapy clinicians trained in MI (counsellors) provided MI to high‐caries‐risk children and their primary caregivers. All MI sessions (n = 34) were audio‐recorded and analysed using the MI Treatment Integrity code 4.2.1. Qualitative analysis of counsellor self‐reflections identified barriers to MI delivery.ResultsAll counsellors were found to adhere to the MI process and demonstrated fair to good MI proficiency for global scores, with a mean (95% CI) of 3.3 (3.1‐3.4) recorded for technical scores and 3.6 (3.5‐3.8...
Research Interests:
Background Limited data regarding the perspectives of other observers (i.e. those who educate, employ or receive care from) of new graduates’ preparedness to practice is available. The present study aimed to explore perceptions of... more
Background Limited data regarding the perspectives of other observers (i.e. those who educate, employ or receive care from) of new graduates’ preparedness to practice is available. The present study aimed to explore perceptions of different observers regarding the preparedness to practice and work readiness of newly qualified dental professionals. This broader range of perspectives is crucial to inform the development of educational programs, including continuing professional development, for newly qualified dental professionals, by clarifying the skills, knowledge and behaviours expected by the dental profession and wider public. Results Nineteen individual qualitative interviews were undertaken. Interview participants included clinical demonstrators (n = 9; 2 Oral Health Therapists; 5 Dentists; and 2 Prosthetists), dental course convenors (n = 4), representatives of large employers (n = 2), and consumers (n = 4). According to this diverse group of respondents, dental students rece...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Abstract Background The legacy of colonisation, assimilation, racism and victim blaming has created inequality in health for Aboriginal people, reflected in their oral health status. Despite the existence of community dental services,... more
Abstract Background The legacy of colonisation, assimilation, racism and victim blaming has created inequality in health for Aboriginal people, reflected in their oral health status. Despite the existence of community dental services, oral disease levels continue to be of concern. This study, initiated by a rural Victorian ACCHO (Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation), aimed to consult their community about the barriers to and enablers of oral health and understand their lived experiences with dental services. Methods Using an Aboriginal knowledge framework and collaborative approach involving an Aboriginal researcher and Community Mentor, this study consulted an ACCHO community about their oral health. Following community engagement, 21 community members participated in digitally recorded yarning circles and semi-structured interviews. Results Themes emerging from the data included dental care history and past experiences involving pain and shame, the value of having community-centred services and engagement with patients and the community. Discussion Experiences of dental care are often related to pain driving attendance resulting in experiences that multiply fear and anxiety. While community-based care was considered a strength, approaches to individual dental care often resulted in increasing shame and diminishing trust. Increasing cultural safety and participatory approaches to designing and delivering dental care may increase engagement and trust. Conclusions Important gaps in cultural and clinical understanding between the community and dental service providers have been identified. These findings will be used to inform the delivery of dental services and to develop oral health promotion programs at the ACCHO, and cultural safety preparation for student dental practitioners. What is already known on this subject: There are high rates of dental disease in Aboriginal communities Current oral health services often have low participation rates among Aboriginal people Barriers such as long travel times, cost of treatment and lack of culturally appropriate care can prevent Aboriginal Australians from accessing dental services What this paper adds: First time, this ACCHO community has been consulted about their oral health Increasing community engagement to enhance trust building between patients and dental practitioners is important to reduce shame and judgement Further co-design research is required to develop programs and evaluate cultural safety in service provision
Research Interests:
Abstract Background The legacy of colonisation, assimilation, racism and victim blaming has created inequality in health for Aboriginal people, reflected in their oral health status. Despite the existence of community dental services,... more
Abstract
Background
The legacy of colonisation, assimilation, racism and victim blaming has created inequality in health for Aboriginal people, reflected in their oral health status. Despite the existence of community dental services, oral disease levels continue to be of concern. This study, initiated by a rural Victorian ACCHO (Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation), aimed to consult their community about the barriers to and enablers of oral health and understand their lived experiences with dental services.
Methods
Using an Aboriginal knowledge framework and collaborative approach involving an Aboriginal researcher and Community Mentor, this study consulted an ACCHO community about their oral health. Following community engagement, 21 community members participated in digitally recorded yarning circles and semi-structured interviews.
Results
Themes emerging from the data included dental care history and past experiences involving pain and shame, the value of having community-centred services and engagement with patients and the community.
Discussion
Experiences of dental care are often related to pain driving attendance resulting in experiences that multiply fear and anxiety. While community-based care was considered a strength, approaches to individual dental care often resulted in increasing shame and diminishing trust. Increasing cultural safety and participatory approaches to designing and delivering dental care may increase engagement and trust.
Conclusions
Important gaps in cultural and clinical understanding between the community and dental service providers have been identified. These findings will be used to inform the delivery of dental services and to develop oral health promotion programs at the ACCHO, and cultural safety preparation for student dental practitioners.
What is already known on this subject:
There are high rates of dental disease in Aboriginal communities
Current oral health services often have low participation rates among Aboriginal people
Barriers such as long travel times, cost of treatment and lack of culturally appropriate care can prevent Aboriginal Australians from accessing dental services
What this paper adds:
First time, this ACCHO community has been consulted about their oral health
Increasing community engagement to enhance trust building between patients and dental practitioners is important to reduce shame and judgement
Further co-design research is required to develop programs and evaluate cultural safety in service provision
Background
The legacy of colonisation, assimilation, racism and victim blaming has created inequality in health for Aboriginal people, reflected in their oral health status. Despite the existence of community dental services, oral disease levels continue to be of concern. This study, initiated by a rural Victorian ACCHO (Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation), aimed to consult their community about the barriers to and enablers of oral health and understand their lived experiences with dental services.
Methods
Using an Aboriginal knowledge framework and collaborative approach involving an Aboriginal researcher and Community Mentor, this study consulted an ACCHO community about their oral health. Following community engagement, 21 community members participated in digitally recorded yarning circles and semi-structured interviews.
Results
Themes emerging from the data included dental care history and past experiences involving pain and shame, the value of having community-centred services and engagement with patients and the community.
Discussion
Experiences of dental care are often related to pain driving attendance resulting in experiences that multiply fear and anxiety. While community-based care was considered a strength, approaches to individual dental care often resulted in increasing shame and diminishing trust. Increasing cultural safety and participatory approaches to designing and delivering dental care may increase engagement and trust.
Conclusions
Important gaps in cultural and clinical understanding between the community and dental service providers have been identified. These findings will be used to inform the delivery of dental services and to develop oral health promotion programs at the ACCHO, and cultural safety preparation for student dental practitioners.
What is already known on this subject:
There are high rates of dental disease in Aboriginal communities
Current oral health services often have low participation rates among Aboriginal people
Barriers such as long travel times, cost of treatment and lack of culturally appropriate care can prevent Aboriginal Australians from accessing dental services
What this paper adds:
First time, this ACCHO community has been consulted about their oral health
Increasing community engagement to enhance trust building between patients and dental practitioners is important to reduce shame and judgement
Further co-design research is required to develop programs and evaluate cultural safety in service provision
Research Interests:
A well established body of research documents the role of individual factors, such as biology and diet, in the aetiology of early childhood caries (ECC). Recently empirical attention has shifted to the relationships between broader... more
A well established body of research documents the role of individual factors, such as biology and diet, in the aetiology of early childhood caries (ECC). Recently empirical attention has shifted to the relationships between broader ecological influences (e.g., education, ethnicity and income) and ECC; however, how such determinants interplay in the aetiology of ECC remains unclear. An intermediary mechanism that warrants greater empirical attention is parental influences. This oversight is interesting given the primacy of the parent in governing the child's proximate environment and the likelihood of the child endorsing adaptive or maladaptive health attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. The objective of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of the evidence for parental influences on the development of caries in children aged 0-6 years. All studies testing associations between dental caries and socio-demographic factors, feeding practices, parent attributes, behaviours, oral health, attitudes, knowledge and beliefs in children aged 0-6 years, published between 2006 and 2011. Medline, ISI, Cochrane, Scopus, Global Health and CINAHL databases. Fifty-five studies were included from an initial identification of 1805 studies. To date, most research has focused on the association between caries and socio-demographic and feeding factors with few studies exploring parents' attributes, attitudes, knowledge and beliefs, and none exploring possible pathways between the multiple layers of influences potentially accounting for how determinants of ECC operate and traverse individual, familial, community, and socio-cultural contexts. Collaboration between Psychologists and Dentists may accelerate the identification and understanding of mechanisms that underlie risk associated with ECC.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Dentistry, Australia, Malaysia, Tanzania, Medicine, and 15 moreCanada, Humans, Child, Oral health, United States, New Zealand, Dental, Nurse, Great Britain, Adult, Dental Care, Access to Care, Tooth, Dental Auxiliaries, and Alaska
Dental service provision rates are necessary for workforce planning. This study estimates patient and service rates for oral health therapists (OHTs), dental hygienists (DHs) and dental therapists (DTs). To identify important variables... more
Dental service provision rates are necessary for workforce planning. This study estimates patient and service rates for oral health therapists (OHTs), dental hygienists (DHs) and dental therapists (DTs). To identify important variables for workforce modelling, variations in rates by practice characteristics were assessed. A cross-sectional self-complete mailed questionnaire collected demographic and employment characteristics, and clinical activity on a self-selected typical day of practice. Private and public dental practices in Australia. Members of the two professional associations representing DHs, DTs and OHTs. For each practitioner type, means and adjusted rate ratios of patients per hour, services per visit and preventive services per visit were estimated. Comparisons by practice characteristics were assessed by negative binomial regression models. Response rate was 60.6% (n = 1,083), 90.9% were employed of which 86.3% were working in clinical practice and completed the servi...
Research Interests:
OBJECTIVE Dental service provision rates are necessary for workforce planning. This study estimates patient and service rates for oral health therapists (OHTs), dental hygienists (DHs) and dental therapists (DTs). To identify important... more
OBJECTIVE Dental service provision rates are necessary for workforce planning. This study estimates patient and service rates for oral health therapists (OHTs), dental hygienists (DHs) and dental therapists (DTs). To identify important variables for workforce modelling, variations in rates by practice characteristics were assessed. DESIGN A cross-sectional self-complete mailed questionnaire collected demographic and employment characteristics, and clinical activity on a self-selected typical day of practice. SETTING Private and public dental practices in Australia. PARTICIPANTS Members of the two professional associations representing DHs, DTs and OHTs. METHODS For each practitioner type, means and adjusted rate ratios of patients per hour, services per visit and preventive services per visit were estimated. Comparisons by practice characteristics were assessed by negative binomial regression models. RESULTS Response rate was 60.6% (n = 1,083), 90.9% were employed of which 86.3% wer...
INTRODUCTION Dental therapists, hygienists and oral health therapists constitute up to a third of the dental workforce in Australia and New Zealand. Personality is often explored in health professions to provide insights into traits that... more
INTRODUCTION Dental therapists, hygienists and oral health therapists constitute up to a third of the dental workforce in Australia and New Zealand. Personality is often explored in health professions to provide insights into traits that are conducive to workforce retention and to assist in planning and training. This study aimed to investigate the current demographic and personality characteristics of oral health students in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS Students in years one to three of all eight undergraduate Bachelor of Oral Health programs in Australia and New Zealand were invited to complete an online survey. The survey measured activities prior to entering into oral health, career intentions and included a personality questionnaire, the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). RESULTS Three quarters of participants (n=336; 30% response rate; females=90%) were single, from an urban area and 20 to 29 years of age. Oral health students overall portrayed high trait levels of Persistence and Cooperativeness. Cluster analysis of TCI traits identified three groups. Groups of students with high Persistence and Cooperativeness tended to be older, were working in non-dental and dental careers prior to their degree and were interested in working in regional areas after graduation. CONCLUSIONS Students with high levels of persistence and cooperativeness were interested in working in regional areas after graduation, highlighting the importance of industriousness and persistence in overcoming barriers to practicing in regional areas. Further research is warranted to investigate barriers and enablers in recruitment and retention of males in a primarily female dominated profession.
Research Interests:
OBJECTIVE To understand the way people living with mental illness in an Australian community experience and define oral health. STUDY POPULATION People living with serious mental illness in the Victorian Community. METHODS Qualitative... more
OBJECTIVE To understand the way people living with mental illness in an Australian community experience and define oral health. STUDY POPULATION People living with serious mental illness in the Victorian Community. METHODS Qualitative methodologies were used in this study. Two focus groups and four semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were transcribed and thematically analysed. RESULTS Participants generally valued oral health and recognized that attending regular dental appointments played a key role in improving their oral health. Participants felt that their mental illness overwhelmed their ability to maintain good oral health. Coping, dental fear, stigma, financial barriers and communication were identified as issues around utilization and access to care. DISCUSSION Experiences of oral health were both positive and negative. Barriers and enablers, extending beyond participant oral health literacy for oral health, were identified from the data, and recommendations around personal, environmental and clinical supports were made. CONCLUSION This is a valuable study that provides new insight into a complicated issue. Recommendations to create a supportive dental environment and direction to improve the dental experience have been made to make oral health more accessible for people living with mental illness. Recommendations have also been made for community-based mental health organizations to aid the improvements in oral health with this group of people, thus building a collaborative approach to support oral health for this vulnerable group.
Research Interests:
INTRODUCTION Dental hygienists (DHs) have been practising in Australia since the early 1970s. OBJECTIVE This study describes the clinical activity of Australian DHs. METHODS A questionnaire was mailed to members of two professional... more
INTRODUCTION Dental hygienists (DHs) have been practising in Australia since the early 1970s. OBJECTIVE This study describes the clinical activity of Australian DHs. METHODS A questionnaire was mailed to members of two professional associations representing DHs. Practitioner characteristics, employment characteristics and clinical activity on a self-reported typical practice day were collected. The proportion of each service item of all services provided was estimated. Associations between practice characteristics and service provision were assessed by log-binomial regression models. RESULTS Adjusted response rate was 60.6%. Of the DHs included in analysis (n=341), 80% were employed in general practice, and nearly all (96%) worked in the private sector. About half (53.7%) of all service provided were preventive services, and one-fourth (23.9%) were diagnostic. Service provision varied by practice and practitioner characteristics, with the largest variations observed by practice type. Unadjusted analysis showed that general practice DHs provided a higher mean number of periodontal instrumentation and coronal polishing (0.92 vs 0.26), fluoride applications (0.64 vs 0.08), oral examinations (0.51 vs 0.22) and intraoral radiographs (0.33 vs 0.07) per patient visit and a lower mean number of impressions (0.05 vs 0.17) and orthodontic services (0.02 vs 0.59) than specialist practice DHs. In adjusted analysis, rates of periodontal services also significantly varied by practice type; other associations persisted. CONCLUSION Service provision of DHs varied by practice type. Practice activity was dominated by provision of preventive services while provision of periodontal treatments, fissure sealants and oral examinations was relatively limited indicating areas in which DHs are possibly underutilized.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
There is a recognized need to deliver oral health information to people during clinical encounters to enable them to develop personal skills in managing their own oral health. Traditional approaches to individual oral health education... more
There is a recognized need to deliver oral health information to people during clinical encounters to enable them to develop personal skills in managing their own oral health. Traditional approaches to individual oral health education have been shown to be largely ineffective and new approaches are required to address personal motivations for preventive behaviour. This systematic review aims to identify and assess the effectiveness of behaviour models as a basis for individual oral health promotion. Electronic databases were searched for articles evaluating the effectiveness of health behaviour models in oral and general health between 2000 and 2007. Eighty-nine studies were retrieved and data were extracted from the 32 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two studies were identified in the fields of clinical prevention and health education, motivational interviewing (MI), counselling, and models based interventions. MI interventions were found to be the most effective method for altering health behaviours in a clinical setting. There is a need to develop an effective model for chairside oral health promotion that incorporates this evidence and allows oral health professionals to focus more on the underlying social determinants of oral disease during the clinical encounter. There is potential to further develop the MI approach within the oral health field.
Research Interests:
Understanding dental therapy practice across clinical settings is useful for education and service planning. This study assessed if dental therapy service provision varied according to practitioner and workplace characteristics. Members... more
Understanding dental therapy practice across clinical settings is useful for education and service planning. This study assessed if dental therapy service provision varied according to practitioner and workplace characteristics. Members of professional associations representing dental therapists (DT) and oral health therapists (OHT) were posted a self-complete survey collecting practitioner and workplace characteristics, together with clinical activity on a self-selected typical day of practice. Differences in service provision according to characteristics were assessed by comparing mean services per patient visit. Negative binomial regression models estimated adjusted ratios (R) of mean services per patient. The response rate was 60.6%. Of practitioners registered as an OHT or a DT, 80.0% (n = 500) were employed in general clinical practice. Nearly one-third of OHT and nearly two-thirds of DT worked in public sector dental services. Patterns of service provision varied significantl...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In Australia, dental therapists have practiced only within the state-operated School Dental Services (SDS) for around forty years providing preventive, diagnostic, restorative, and health promotion services to children and adolescents in... more
In Australia, dental therapists have practiced only within the state-operated School Dental Services (SDS) for around forty years providing preventive, diagnostic, restorative, and health promotion services to children and adolescents in a collaborative and referral relationship with dentists. Changes to legislation in 2000 have seen limits to dental therapists' employment removed, allowing private sector employment. This study examines the changes to dental therapists' employment since 2000 using a self-completed questionnaire with a response rate of 82 percent. Approximately one-third of responding dental therapists reported that they spent some time employed outside the SDS in community health services and private orthodontic and general practices, which indicates an acceptance of this type of dental care provider in these areas. The clinical services that dental therapists are currently providing are a complex mix with significant variations according to type and geograp...
Research Interests: Dentistry, Orthodontics, Adolescent, Employment, Counseling, and 15 moreDental Education, Humans, Child, Female, Male, Dental, Patient Care Team, Dental Care, Curriculum and Pedagogy, Dental Prophylaxis, Private Practice, Community Based Mental Health Services, Dental Hygienists, Dental Auxiliaries, and Community health services
Research Interests: Obesity, Adolescent, Systematic Reviews, Humans, Child, and 3 moreDental Caries, Body Mass Index, and Thinness
Research Interests:
The Australian population is ageing, and a growing proportion of elderly Australians are now living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). These residents are at high risk of developing dental diseases, have more teeth present now... more
The Australian population is ageing, and a growing proportion of elderly Australians are now living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). These residents are at high risk of developing dental diseases, have more teeth present now than at any time in the past 50 years and often have difficulty maintaining adequate oral hygiene. Traditionally, dental service provision has been problematic and sporadic for these residents. A postal survey of a random sample of Victorian general dentists and Directors of Nursing (DONs) of Victorian RACFs was undertaken in 2006 to ascertain the participation of dentists in the provision of dental care and to identify factors impacting on the organization and provision of dental care for residents. The response rate for dentists was 57.3 per cent, and for DONs 64.4 per cent. Half of the dentists reported that they had provided care to residents of aged care facilities in the past 12 months, and they spent an average of one hour per month providing care. Overall, dentists were concerned with their level of undergraduate education and training in various aspects of dentistry for residents of aged care facilities. DONs reported significant difficulty obtaining adequate dental care for their residents. Common problems identified by both dentists and DONs included a preference for dentists to treat residents in their own practice, dentists not willing to go to RACFs and a lack of portable dental equipment for dentists to use. There were low levels of interest and participation from Victorian dentists in providing dental care for residents of aged care facilities. Dentists had a strong preference for treating patients at their own practice, and there were a number of significant barriers that appeared to impact on the provision of dental care in RACFs.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Health Promotion, Health Education, Quality of life, Strategic Planning, Public Health, and 14 moreCapacity Building, Early Childhood, Water Supply, Smoking Cessation, Periodontal Disease, Oral health, Dental Caries, Oral Cancer, Burden of Disease, Systematic review, General Health, Public health systems and services research, Curriculum and Pedagogy, and TOOTH LOSS
Research Interests: Dentistry, Dementia, Humans, Nursing Homes, Chronic Disease, and 19 moreFemale, Male, Victoria, Gerodontology, Aged, Dental Calculus, Public health systems and services research, Sex Factors, Oral Hygiene, Periodontal Diseases, Age Factors, Periodontitis, Drug Therapy, Dental Plaque Index, TOOTH LOSS, Gingival Recession, Self report, Gingivitis, and Homes for the Aged
In 1921, New Zealand began training school dental nurses, subsequently deploying them throughout the country in school-based clinics providing basic dental care for children. The concept of training dental nurses, later to be designated... more
In 1921, New Zealand began training school dental nurses, subsequently deploying them throughout the country in school-based clinics providing basic dental care for children. The concept of training dental nurses, later to be designated dental therapists, was adopted by other countries as a means of improving access to care, particularly for children. This paper profiles six countries that utilise dental therapists, with a description of the training that therapists receive in these countries, and the context in which they practice. Based on available demographic information, it also updates the number of dental therapists practising globally, as well as the countries in which they practice. In several countries, dental therapy is now being integrated with dental hygiene in training and practice to create a new type of professional complementary to a dentist. Increasingly, dental therapists are permitted to treat adults as well as children. The paper also describes the status of a c...
Research Interests:
This curriculum was developed to meet national accreditation standards set by the Australian Dental Council for programs preparing dental and oral health practitioners in Australia for culturally safe practice