Provision of Dental Care to Indigenous South Australians and Impacts on Improved General Health: Study Protocol

Lisa Jamieson (), Joanne Hedges, Zell Dodd, Priscilla Larkins, Cindy Zbierski, Sonia Nath, Kostas Kapellas and Xiangqun Ju
Additional contact information
Lisa Jamieson: Adelaide Dental School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
Joanne Hedges: Adelaide Dental School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
Zell Dodd: Umoona Tjutagku Health Service, Coober Pedy 5723, Australia
Priscilla Larkins: South Australia Health, Adelaide 5000, Australia
Cindy Zbierski: Ceduna Koonibba Aboriginal Health Service, Ceduna 5690, Australia
Sonia Nath: Adelaide Dental School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
Kostas Kapellas: Adelaide Dental School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
Xiangqun Ju: Adelaide Dental School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-11

Abstract: Background: Indigenous South Australians carry a disproportionate burden of dental diseases, with approximately 80 percent of Indigenous adults having both periodontal disease and dental caries. The chronic inflammatory nature of many dental conditions means there are widespread systemic impacts, particularly on type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Evidence suggests there are barriers experienced by Indigenous South Australians in accessing timely and culturally safe dental care. This study aims to: (1) elicit the views of Indigenous South Australians regarding their perspectives of what comprises culturally safe dental care; (2) provide such dental care and; (3) assess any changes in both oral and general health using point-of-care testing following receipt of timely, comprehensive and culturally safe dental care. Methods/Design: This mixed-methods study will involve qualitative interviews and an intervention without randomisation. The qualitative component will comprise seeking perspectives of Indigenous South Australians regarding what culturally safe dental care means for them. For the intervention component, participants will take part in oral epidemiological examinations at baseline and 12-month follow-up (after receipt of dental care), which will include collection of saliva, plaque and calculus, as well as completion of a self-report questionnaire. The primary outcome measures—changes in type 2 diabetes (HbA1c), cardiovascular disease (CRP) and chronic kidney disease (ACR)—will be obtained by blood/urine spot from a finger prick/urine collection at baseline and 12-month follow-up via point-of-care testing. Results: Participant recruitment will commence in July 2022. The first results are expected to be submitted for publication one year after recruitment begins. Discussion: The project will have a number of important outcomes, including increased understanding of what culturally safe dental care means for Indigenous South Australians, the delivery of such care, and empirical evidence of how culturally safe dental care leads to better prognosis for chronic diseases linked with poor oral health. This will be important for health services planning, especially in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation sector, where the management of dental diseases in a culturally safe manner for better chronic disease outcomes is currently insufficiently understood, planned and budgeted for.

Keywords: Indigenous South Australian; culturally safe dental care; chronic diseases (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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