Improving oral health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is making a tangible difference in the delivery of oral health services in the Wagga Wagga community, through an innovative collaboration agreement between the Charles Sturt Centre for Rural Dentistry and Oral Health and the Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation (RivMed).

By adding students to the team, RivMed has increased its capabilities to deliver quality oral health services and is now able to see triple the previous number of patients. Third year oral health therapy students work on rotation with the service, gaining valuable experience in working within a community-controlled clinic. Benefits for the service have also been realised through the partnership and include an ability to offer more appointments, reduced waiting times and a greater focus on preventive care.

This placement marks the first time that CSU’s Bachelor of Oral Health students have had the opportunity to work collaboratively within a dedicated Aboriginal medical and dental service to deliver measurable change in the community.

Following this pilot initiative, CSU are hoping to build a sustainable and funded student placement for the future, with the program already set to be extended through 2025.