Community and diversity
Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) operates in a diverse environment and is proud of its staff and patient diversity. Our patients and staff are representative of the Victorian community with a mix of abilities, cultures, ages, gender, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, physical attributes and levels of education.
DHSV recognises and values this diversity and endeavours to respond to people’s needs in a culturally competent manner.
Community participation
DHSV uses different strategies to ensure we are responsive to this diversity of communities:
Integrated community consultation DHSV consults with patients and the Victorian community on the way services are provided. We ensure our communities are involved in the formation of our policies and strategies.
Staff involvement DHSV staff from all levels are encouraged to actively participate in community consultation activities.
Community representation
DHSV committees and working groups include consumers and carers from a variety of backgrounds.
Community Advisory Committee
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) deserves a special mention. As a sub-committee of the Board of Directors, the CAC provides advice to the Board on issues that may affect the community and keeps a close eye on how DHSV’s community consultations and recommendations are implemented. Particular attention is paid by the CAC to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
DHSV Community and Diversity resources
Local people partnering with community organisations to find solutions to rural community health challenges.
The following resources can be downloaded from our Guides and resources section:
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities - Resource Kit This kit includes information on how to work effectively with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- Disability Awareness GuideThis guide includes advice and information to work effectively with people with a range of disabilities.
