End Stage Kidney Disease Dental Project

Dialysis for End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) is the leading cause of hospitalisation for Indigenous Australians.

Aims

In partnership with 3 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and the SA Dental Service, we propose a complete reworking of the dental delivery model through establishing ACCHO-based oral health promotion, cultural safety and liaison services.

Significance

Poor oral health is a major contributor to kidney transplant waitlisting inequities; often the only block for Indigenous Australians with ESKD to receiving a transplant. Dental treatment uptake for those with ESKD is extremely poor,  due to many challenges, including transport, conflicts with dialysis-related appointments and dental fear.

Expected outcomes

By project end, we will have achieved our objectives of enabling culturally-safe dental care to all Indigenous South Australians with ESKD through the ACCHO-based dental liaison pathways, trained AHWs in specific oral health promotion roles, and delivered cultural competency training to SADS and Adelaide Dental School staff and students.