South Australian

Smoking Cessation Project (SA Dental Service Program 1)

Aims or brief descriptions: The SA Dental Service Smoking Cessation Project commenced in 2006. The aim of the project is to contribute to the improvement of client’s oral and general health by providing information to increase awareness of support services available to clients who are interested in managing their tobacco dependence.

The primary objective of the Smoking Cessation Project is to provide a referral pathway for Community Dental Service clients to the QUITLINE. Two pilot sites were initially trialled. Staff training has been delivered through a partnership with QUIT SA.  Smoking interventions are being embedded into ‘daily practice’.  The program is being systematically rolled out to Community Dental Clinics across the state. An electronic data system has been developed and implemented to assist staff record and track interventions.

Findings
Since July 2006, 1037 brief interventions across 16 sites have been recorded. SA Dental Service Staff are delivering quality, effective and sustainable smoking support to clients. Working in partnership with QUIT SA has provided opportunities to share knowledge, skills and resources as well as foster closer relationships with other service providers. Dental staff are well placed to offer brief, targeted smoking cessation advice. The electronic data system is enabling tracking of medical history and the percentage of smokers receiving advice. The program continues to be rolled out across all adult Community Dental Clinics.
Reports or publications from project  Nil
Involved organisations: SA Dental Service; QUITSA
Contact person for further information
Jane Heron-Kirkmoe
Health Promotion
SA Dental Service
public 180 Flinders Street, SA 5000
Australia
Phone (08 8222 9119)
Email:  jane.heron-kirkmoe@health.sa.gov.au
Website link:    www.sadental.sa.gov.au

Dental Service Aboriginal Liaison Program (SA Program 3)

Aims or brief descriptions: The aim of the Aboriginal Liaison Program is to improve oral health outcomes for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia by increasing the number who access mainstream dental services through a community development process. The program began in late 2005.
The primary objective of the Aboriginal Liaison Program is to refer eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults for priority emergency and general dental care at one of four participating sites. Aboriginal Health Workers have been involved with referral of clients to their local SA Dental Service Community Dental Clinic based on an Oral Health Assessment. An Aboriginal Liaison Officer has been established at each dental clinic to assist with the appointment of clients. SA Dental Service staff in the pilot sites have attended Cultural Awareness Training.
Findings
Since 2005, 232 Aboriginal adults have had an Oral Health Assessment. Of these clients, 223 have been referred for priority dental care and 167 have started a course of care. Liaison Officers have attended Aboriginal community events and group meetings. Cultural Awareness Training has been provided to 68 SA Dental Service Staff.
Implementation of the Aboriginal Liaison Program has resulted in the improved oral health status for the people who have received priority dental care. The referral system’s success has been due to the strength of the partnership between the SA Dental Service and the Aboriginal Community Health Services. Liaison Officer Staff have helped to increase confidence in mainstream dental services. Further improvement will be achieved by continuing work in the existing sites, expanding to other areas of the SA Dental Service and consulting further with local community members.

Reports or publications from project
Involved organisations
SA Dental Service
Parks Community Health Care Centre
Port Adelaide Community Health Care Centre
Muna Paiendi Health Service
Noarlunga Health Care Centre
SA Aboriginal Sports Training Academy

Contact person for further information
Cathy Nelson and Janice Braun
Aboriginal Liaison Project Officers
SA Dental Service
Health Promotion Unit
180 Flinders Street
Adelaide SA 5001
Phone: 8222 9013
Email: cathy.nelson@health.sa.gov.au
Website link: www.sadental.sa.gov.au

Crunch&Sip® (South Australian)

Aims or brief descriptions:   Crunch&Sip® is an initiative of Go for 2&5® and is being implemented in South Australian schools across the public, Catholic and Independent schools sector.  The program aims to support schools to introduce a fruit and vegetable break, and the drinking of water in classrooms.
Findings: 
The program began in late January 2008, and has initially been funded for 3.5 years. The program will be introduced into schools in the latter half of 2008.
Reports or publications from project: None to date
Involved organisations: SA Dental Service; Department of Health (Health Promotion branch); Department of Education and Children’s Services; Catholic Education; Association of Independent Schools South Australia; SA Fruit and Vegetable Coalition members.
Contact person for further information    
Leanne Rana
Project Officer, SA Dental Service
180 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000.
Phone (08) 8222 9115
Email: leanne.rana@health.sa.gov.au
Website link: www.crunchandsip.com.au

Project --- Better Oral Health in Residential Care

This project is developing an evidence based, best practice model to promote better oral health within the Australian residential aged care sector.

SA Dental Service Population Oral Health Project – Lift the Lip

Aims or brief descriptions
SA Dental Service implemented the Population Oral Health Project – Lift the Lip in response to the decline in children’s oral health.  SA Dental Service is working collaboratively with Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service Nurses, GPs, Practice Nurses and Early Childhood Services to improve the early identification and referral of children experiencing Early Childhood Caries (decay).
A simple ‘Lift the Lip’ screening and referral tool is available to identify children (6 months – 5 years) with Early Childhood Caries.
A referral pathway has been developed for children identified with Early Childhood Caries to access the dental care they need either through public (School Dental Service) or the private dental sector. 

This project has been systematically rolled out across the state. 

Findings (to date)
Since the Commencement of the implementation of the Population Oral Health Project in May 2007:

• 200 CYWHS Nurses have attended training in Lift the Lip and oral health information
• 3 oral health Education Evenings (Continuing Professional Development) were held for 4 divisions of General Practice. 
• 180 Practice Nurses have attended oral health updates and training, as part of the Medicare Healthy Kids Check
• Midwives in public hospitals attended information sessions to raise awareness of the importance of oral health in pregnancy
• SA Dental Service Staff have also been informed and trained

From the data collected (at the end of July 2009):

• From May 07 – July 09 1,365 children haven been referred into the project
• CYHWS Nurses have referred 85% of children
• 72.5% of children referred are aged 4 years.

Findings (to date)
Since the Commencement of the implementation of the Population Oral Health Project in May 2007:

• 200 CYWHS Nurses have attended training in Lift the Lip and oral health information
• 3 oral health Education Evenings (Continuing Professional Development) were held for 4 divisions of General Practice. 
• 180 Practice Nurses have attended oral health updates and training, as part of the Medicare Healthy Kids Check
• Midwives in public hospitals attended information sessions to raise awareness of the importance of oral health in pregnancy
• SA Dental Service Staff have also been informed and trained

From the data collected (at the end of July 2009):

• From May 07 – July 09 1,365 children haven been referred into the project
• CYHWS Nurses have referred 85% of children
• 72.5% of children referred are aged 4 years.

Contact person for further information
Kerry Clifford, Project Manager, Ph: 08 8222 9014, kerry.clifford@health.sa.gov.au
Rachael Collins, GP Intervention Project Officer, Ph: 08 8222 9015, rachael.collins@health.sa.gov.au
Jane Taylor Matison, Project Officer, ph 08 8222 9057, jane.taylormatison@health.sa.gov.au
Cathy Nelson, Community Health Promotion Officer, ph 8222 9013, cathy.nelson@health.sa.gov.au    

Reports or publications from project (PDF files or links or library references)
A range of resources have been developed to support the project and can be found on the SA Dental Service website.

Involved organisations
Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service, Australian Dental Association- SA Branch, SA Divisions of General Practice, Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, Department of Health, State Health Regions, Department of Education and Children’s Services

Website link
www.sadental.sa.gov.au