Just Accepted
This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.
Oral health services provided for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia: a scoping review
Abstract
Objective: The shortage of oral health professionals in rural and remote regions of Australia directly impacts the access of oral health services for people who live in these regions, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This scoping review aims to explore where and how these services are provided for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and, the relevant workforce model used. Methods: Electronic databases were searched, including: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and CINAHL. Grey literature searches included: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet webpage, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Advanced Google search. Results: Oral health services were classified into the following categories: 1) clinical oral health services, 2) oral health promotion to improve oral health awareness, knowledge, attitudes, behaviours or skills at patient/community level, and 3) oral health promotion including the use of single clinical interventions (e.g. fluoride varnish). Services were delivered in a variety of settings including: community health clinics, schools or using mobile dental equipment. Both the dental and non-dental workforce were utilised to provide these services. Limited data was found on the experiences and challenges faced by the workforce who provide these services. Conclusion: Oral health services provided for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in rural and remote regions of Australia vary in service type, location and workforce involved. Future research is required to explore the experiences and support of this workforce. This can enhance delivery of culturally and clinically safe oral health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly in rural and remote regions.
AH24281 Accepted 10 December 2024
© CSIRO 2024
