Oral health promotion and chronic disease

Project # 1: Oral Health Care for people with Cystic Fibrosis
Aims or brief descriptions
Improving technologies and care methods are resulting in increased the life-spans and quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis, making them more visible in our communities.  Their specific needs in relation to oral health was the subject of this project.  The aim of the project was to promote the oral health of this group through both self efficacy and professional carers.  People with cystic fibrosis often show lower levels of dental caries but higher and more persistent levels of calculus and erosion and difficulties in relation to accessing and receiving dental care. This project has developed a series of newsletter articles for the use of the Cystic Fibrosis Association newsletter and articles for submission to the journals of the Australian Dental Association, the Dental Hygienists association and the Dental Therapists Association.
Involved organisations
Anita Middleton, Kim Wilson, Erin Barker and Julie Truong
Contact person for further information
Rodrigo Marino
Senior Research Fellow
Cooperative Research Centre for Oral Health Sciences
The University of Melbourne
PH: 9344 1580
Email: rmarino@unimelb.edu.au

Publications from study
Middleton, A., Wilson, K., Barker, E., & Truong, J., (2001) “Oral health care for people with Cystic Fibrosis”. CF Journal for ADA, ADHA & ADTA; 62-65