MS2 - Indigenous Oral Health

Question 1

Why do inequalities exist between ATSI peoples and the rest of the population + briefly explain? (4)

Answer 1

• Historical factors → ATSI people experienced attempts of having their identity negated and erased
• Culturally inappropriate oral health care service provision → Health care providers ignore or undermine traditional medical practices and knowledge
• Geographic factors → many ATSI are located in rural or remote areas
• Social determinants → ATSI people are socially impoverished compared to their non-indigenous counterparts

Question 2

What are elements of successful programs that have provided oral health programmes to ATSI communities? (3)

What are the challenges and barriers to successful interventions? (3)

Answer 2

Elements of success:

• Cultural appropriateness considered in program design
• Broad-base approach
• collaborative approaches, especially incorporating existing services

Limitations to success:

• Low community participation
• Unstable funding
• staffing issues

Question 3

AMA’s five action areas to improve oral health of ATSI people

Answer 3

1. Water fluoridation
2. an effective dental workforce → with higher amounts of ATSI people
3. Oral health promotion → fluoride varnish programs, sugar-sweetened beverage tax
4. Data to know that the work being done is making a difference
5. Service provision → service models must be in collaboration with ATSI people