With support from The Borrow Foundation, researchers at La Trobe University’s Violet Vines Marshman Centre are addressing critical oral health disparities in children and young people in out-of-home care (OOHC) in rural Australia. Children in rural areas are three times more likely to live in OOHC than their metropolitan counterparts. These children, who face unique socio-economic challenges, rarely access preventive dental care—a gap this project aims to close.
Project Goals and Context
In Australia, children living in OOHC in rural communities experience a range of health disadvantages compromising their capacity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Although they qualify for free dental services, less than 10% have ever seen a dentist, leading to high rates of dental decay and preventable hospitalisations for dental conditions. Rural isolation and limited access to care make preventive services even harder to reach.
This project’s goals are to:
- Identify Barriers: Understand access barriers from the perspectives of carers, child protection staff, and dental providers.
- Co-design an Intervention: Develop a tailored evidence-based oral health programme including a range of prevention activities (e.g. fluoride varnish, toothbrushing, and fissure sealants).
- Evaluate Feasibility: Test the programme’s acceptability and potential for broader adoption.
Methodology and Community Engagement
Through community-based participatory research, the project engages stakeholders across three phases in Loddon and Mildura, which together serve 600 children living in OOHC. Phase 1 involves interviews and focus groups with caregivers and staff to explore barriers. In Phase 2, workshops using the UK Design Council’s Double Diamond model will guide participants in co-designing the intervention. Finally, in Phase 3, the programme will be piloted with 50 children over 12 months, assessing impact and scalability.
Broader Impact
This programme could dramatically reduce preventable dental decay and improve quality of life for children living in OOHC, setting a model for community-based oral health initiatives. Preventive measures like fluoride varnish and toothbrushing could lower healthcare costs and close care gaps for vulnerable populations.
With $100,000 AUD from The Borrow Foundation, the project has appointed research staff, secured resources, and launched effectively, creating a pathway for nationwide impact on oral health for children and young people living in OOHC settings in rural communities.
"We are very grateful to the Borrow Foundation for their support which will enable us to co-design some oral health actions to address poor oral health for children in out-of-home care in rural Australia."
Research Team and Expertise
The research team has been established and brings together expertise in dentistry, oral health, public health and social work. The team has a wealth of experience in undertaking research with vulnerable population groups using community-based co-design methods.
