ADA committed to helping rural people

A broader commitment – especially in rural communities – is needed to strengthen the awareness of the importance of good oral health, the ADA President Dr Rick Olive AM RFD, says.

Commenting on a survey which found that some doctors in rural communities were confident enough to provide dental assistance to patients in pain, he said that the ADA is involved in a number of efforts to provide dentistry to country people.

This includes supporting the Federal Government’s Dental Relocation (DRISS) and Infrastructure Support Scheme, which encourages dentists to move to the country, and advocacy efforts through the National Rural Health Alliance.

Through the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Victoria), ADAVB is a partner in the Mobile Dental Care Program co-funded by the Victorian Government. The Branch also supports DRISS, assists rural members, works with country doctors through Primary Health Networks, and aids the State Government in extending its water fluoridation program throughout Victoria.