Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025 73 Funded by: Federal Dept of Social Services – National Indigenous Australians Agency NSW Health – Rural Doctors Network – Western NSW Primary Health Network Celebrating over 39 years of Service since 1986 3 School Tooth brushing Program The school based tooth brushing program continues to run at the Koolyangarra and Birraleegal preschools. The school tooth brushing program is enthusiastically supported by the staff of the schools. The team visits the schools regularly to monitor the program and provide ongoing support. Staff also visit preschools to work with staff and parents on improvement of oral health. Oral Health Promotion Activities Staff provided information about dental care and services at WAMS and distributed oral health care kits during NAIDOC week, at the Walgett Show, and at the Grawin Opal Fields. They provided oral health sessions to mothers and babies groups, antenatal groups and playgroups, and Elders groups where they provided advice on oral hygiene and diet. The team is proactive with community education and acknowledge the importance of good oral hygiene messages ‘getting out to the public’ Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) WAMS continues to receive funding from the CDBS for eligible children - under the age of 18 and on Family Tax Benefit A, with an allocation of $1132 per 2 calendar years for specified service item numbers. WAMS has encountered some conflicts of interest when other dental providers operate occasionally in Walgett who do not communicate with WAMS regarding possible duplication of services to children. This can impact on WAMS's access to CDBS funds for elegible families. Staff training and Support Kayla Thurston and Sarah Dowse attend WAMS training programs. In February the training team from the Dental Assistant Professional Association conducted the annual Infection Control and Prevention update via Zoom for staff. Consultation and Co-operation Our Dental Consultant continues to support the program in offering best practice dental care to the community. Our Consultant works actively to recruit and support Dentists, support local staff, and ensure adherence to regulations, practice management and reporting procedures. The Directors and staff are extremely grateful for the support provided to promote and recruit resources for the Dental Clinic. The Western NSW Local Health District (WLHD) provides ongoing support for the Dental program. There are good referral procedures between WAMS and the WLHD dental clinics, for oral surgery and orthodontic cases. Conclusion WAMS has provided dental care to Walgett and nearby communities, with an increasing emphasis on preventative dental care, and adherence to best practice clinical management. Acknowledgment must be given to the local dental team who continue to demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to best practice dental care. Dr SANDRA MEIHUBERS AM DENTAL CONSULTANT
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