New dental health resources for Aboriginal communities

Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) is launching new oral health resources with deadly ambassadors, that celebrate the culture and language of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The new resources are being released in time for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day on Wednesday 4 August which falls during Dental Health Week (2-8 August).

The ‘Deadly Tooth Tips’ series was designed with Aboriginal artist Madison Connors to help schools, dental services, local communities, and early years services to share crucial messaging about keeping our teeth and bodies healthy.

DHSV Chief Executive Officer, Sue McKee, underscored the importance that these resources play in advocating for the health of Indigenous Australians.

‘We are committed to working with Aboriginal communities to improve the oral health outcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,’ said Sue.

‘Resources like Deadly Tooth Tips help to raise awareness and support Aboriginal families to care for their children’s oral health,’ said Sue.

The resources feature Australian animals chosen as child-friendly ambassadors to represent key dental health themes, Drink Well, Eat Well and Clean Well. The names of the animal ambassadors honour the language of the Yorta Yorta people: Wala (water), Dhuna (eat) and Dirran (teeth).

Resources include Deadly Tooth Tips, social media tiles, toothbrushing chart and a colour-in version of the toothbrushing chart.