Testing The Effectiveness of Population Oral Health Intervention

Previous research on water fluoridation and the prevention of dental caries and dental fluorosis will continue, with additional emphasis on effectiveness in adult and older adult age groups. Findings of research on the determinants of oral health/disease will tested in demonstration interventions, e.g. support for carers of functionally dependent older adults. Research will continue on the effectiveness of office-based distance education of dental care providers in re-orienting dental service provision towards preventive services.

Effectiveness of a pre-school dental enrolment program in preventing childhood caries (Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation of SA Inc.)

Dental caries in preschool children is a pediatric health problem in Australia with a greater prevalence than childhood asthma. Using a retrospective case control study design, this project aims to investigate whether preschool enrolment in the SA Dental Service pediatric dental program is associated with a lower likelihood of untreated dental decay in school children aged five years.

A best-practice oral health model for Australian residential care (NHMRC)

Carers are essential to the delivery of oral hygiene care and maintenance of residents’ oral health in residential care facilities. This research will investigate the role that carers can play to maintain adequate oral health for residents, and improving their timely referral and access to dental professionals. It will also assist with the development of appropriate policies and procedures for oral and dental care, in accordance with Commonwealth Residential Aged Care Standards.

Strong teeth for little kids (Menzies)

Project to test on oral health promotion intervention using random community trial approach.

Strong teeth project (NHMRC) – Fluoridation of water supplies in remote Indigenous communities in the NT

The Menzies School of Health Research (Baillie) and ARCPOH (Spencer, Armfield) are investigating the requirement, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of fluoridating remote Aboriginal communities in the NT.

Remote Indigenous oral health – testing a community-based model for oral health promotion (NHMRC SRDC)

This project involves a remote Aboriginal Community setting the agenda for an oral health promotion program in Indigenous language, which would then be evaluated. Transferability of the program will be tested in a second community.

Health Promotion and Early Childhood Caries (ADRF; Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation)

The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of an individualised dental health education program for the parents of infants, starting with pregnant women, using a randomized control trial.

Dental Practice Education Research

The Dental Practice Education Research Unit aims to advance community oral health through dissemination of information available on the prevention, control and management of oral diseases to dental service providers by implementing accessible, appropriate and effective distance continuing professional education programs. This involves the development, testing, implementation and evaluation of comprehensive and integrated approaches to promoting preventive dental care in general dental practice

Caries risk testing (NHMRC – SRDC)

This study is investigating the use of a saliva-based caries-risk test among children in the school dental service in Adelaide. Baseline and follow-up data on caries experience will be collected from school dental service records and used in conjunction with caries-risk status from the saliva-based test and sociodemographic and dental behaviour variables collected using a mailed self-complete questionnaire to assess the usefulness of the saliva-based test as a predictor of caries risk.

Better Oral Health in Residential care

This project aims to develop an evidence‑based, best practice model to promote better oral health within the Australian residential aged care sector. General Medical Practitioners (GPs), Registered Nurses (RNs) or other carers will implement the successful Oral Health Assessment Tool Kit for GPs in six participating residential care homes across three States. A comprehensive communication strategy will provide all GPs, RNs, and other carers with information which demonstrates the importance of oral health to overall general health and promote better oral health.

SA Dental Service and ARCPOH are collaborating on this project. The evaluation of this project will be conducted by ARCPOH (Spencer, Tan).

Northern Aged Care Dental Project