Community outreach Flashcards
What is the aim of community outreach?
To be an innovative dental outreach program that bridges gaps, forges partnerships and creates lasting impact by connecting communities with compassionate care and education
What groups or populations are at a higher risk of harm or poor oral health?
- Socially disadvantaged or on low incomes
- People with sensory, psycho-social, progressive, physical and intelectual disability
- Autistic or neurodiverse people
- people living in regional or remote areas
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Culturally and linguistically diverse individuals
- LGBTIQA+
- Ageing persons requiring additional care
- Children and adolescents
- Pregnant women
- People who have experienced trauma
- People who have experienced violence and abusre
What are some of the tools and approaches available to achieve appropriate community outreach?
- Educational programs - to empower individuals/communities with knowledge and skills
- Healthcare services - providing access to dental care
- Support - connecting individuals to resources
- Advocacy and awareness - promoting social justice, health or environmental issues to create systemic change
- Community Building - strengthening relationships and building collaborative projects
Who seeks care through the community outreach program?
- People experiencing homelessness - individuals without stable housing who may lack access to regular healthcare services.
- Vulnerable or Marginalised populations - those living in poverty, low-income households or uncertain circumstances
- Individuals with complex health needs - patients dealing with health challenges that complicate access to or delivery of dental care
What is a bias?
It is a tendency or inclination that can shape our thoughts, actions and decisions. Often unconscious but always impactful.
We acknowledge bias to increase awareness allowing us to recognise and challenge bias inclinations.
Acknowledging bias helps us foster empathy, respect and trust in community.
What are the barriers to accessing dental care?
- Financial limitations - inability to afford treatments or transportation costs
- Lack of Stability/Challenge navigating the system - no fixed address for follow-up communication or reminders
- Health and wellbeing - coexisting physical or mental health
- Fear and mistrust - past negative experiences with healthcare systems
- Daily struggles - focus on basic needs
How can we help individuals experiencing barriers to access to dental care?
- Recognise the unseen barriers for disadvantaged individuals
- Provide support and resources that act as “back pocket” confidence - guide them towards a safety net
- Create environments where risks feel manageable and growth is accessible to all
