A lack of fluoridated water is contributing to poor oral health for children in rural Victoria.
Associate Professor Virginia Dickson-Swift, Principal Research Fellow with the Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research, says more needs to be done to address the inequity.
“People who live in rural communities are more likely to experience poor oral health than people who live in cities. Children in rural areas are particularly vulnerable, with high rates of tooth decay in both their primary and permanent teeth.”
Associate Professor Dickson-Swift says the impact for young children is profound, with dental decay negatively impacting eating, sleeping and school attendance.
“Children in rural areas also experience more preventable hospital admissions for oral health conditions than children living in major urban areas. We shouldn’t be ok with this.”
“There are several factors that contribute to this poor oral health status including a lack of water fluoridation, a lack of dental services and a lack of preventive programs in rural areas,” she says.
Associate Professor Dickson-Swift is determined to raise awareness of the issue through advocacy campaigns at state and national levels.
“My research has been used in lobbying work with the National Oral Health Alliance and the Victorian Oral Health Alliance to address inequity in oral health outcomes for rural people.”
On a local level, Associate Professor Dickson-Swift is working with regional and rural communities on programs to support oral health, including partnerships with West Wimmera Health Services, Heathcote Health and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
This work includes an oral health survey and a pilot toothbrushing program for children.
Ultimately, Virginia hopes her research will help end the health disparity for children in rural areas.
“I hope my research and advocacy work will contribute to more targeted oral health prevention activities including water fluoridation for rural areas, oral health promotion and early intervention,” she says.
