The Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch,
Dental Health Services Victoria and the Victorian Branch of the Pharmaceutical
Society of Australia have launched a joint position statement on oral health.
Tooth decay is Australia’s most prevalent health problem,
with more than half of all children and almost all adults affected. It is also
the second most costly diet-related disease in Australia. In addition, many health conditions have been
linked to poor oral health including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, preterm
birth, low birth weight and nutritional deficiencies in children and older
adults.
This oral health position statement provides a foundation
for pharmacists and the dental sector to work collaboratively to support better
oral health in the community and consequently better general health.
Dr Deborah Cole, CEO DHSV, said pharmacists are easily
accessible and trusted professionals so they are an important partner to work
with to reduce the burden of oral disease in the community. “The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has
shown great leadership in recognising the role that pharmacists can play and
supporting their members to develop the knowledge and skills to include a focus
on oral health in their everyday practice,” she said.
“This commitment further emphasises the fact that oral
health is a very real problem in our community, the position statement is
ground breaking and DHSV is proud to be involved.”
ADAVB
President, Dr Bob Cvetkovic, said the association was proud to partner with
DHSV and the PSA on the oral health initiative
“Pharmacists
play a key role in health promotion in their everyday practice,” Dr Cvetkovic
said.
.“The
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s commitment to educate pharmacists about
delivery of high quality oral health care will assist in identifying and
managing oral health conditions. This
joint initiative will create relationships between dentists and pharmacists that
didn’t previously exist, and support better oral health for the community.”
The President of the Victorian Branch of PSA, Michelle
Lynch, thanked the support of ADAVB and DHSV in the initiative. She said that pharmacists are in the ideal
position to screen, educate and refer the public to appropriate information and
treatment in oral care.
“A collaborative and
multi-disciplinary approach is most effective in achieving our goals. A series of continuing professional
development activities on oral health has been scheduled throughout the
year. “Pharmacists should make use of
these opportunities to ensure they and their support staff are kept up to date
and be ready to advise and help the public in this area” she said.
