Client perspectives on an Aboriginal community led oral health service in rural Australia

Objective An oral health service was implemented, using a unique community development approach, for Northern NSW Australian Aboriginal communities in 2013–14. This study examined the views of children (and parents) who accessed the service, including: the extent of reported dental problems, oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviour, accessibility of oral health services, satisfaction and cultural sensitivity of the service. Methods A survey of the children who accessed this service was conducted between October 2014 and December 2014. Results A total of 49 (71%) Aboriginal children aged 4–14 (or parents of), provided responses to the survey. All agreed that healthy teeth were important (100%), but many thought oral disease leading to extraction was normal (68%). High levels of oral pain were reported (66%), half (53%) reported brushing morning and night. Access to the new dental health service was reported as ‘easy’ (92%). Many walked (47%) or were driven (35%) in