A community-led dental health initiative has helped more than 600 young children access free dental care across the Central Great Southern, improving oral health outcomes and reducing barriers to treatment for local families.
The Central Great Southern Dental Health Project recently reached its 600th child, marking a significant milestone for an initiative developed through the Early Years Partnership after local families identified children's oral health as a priority in Children Growing Strong, the region's co-designed Early Years community plan.
Donna Woithe from WA Country Health Service Early Years Partnership Program Officer – Central Great Southern says reaching the 600th child highlights the impact of listening to local families and working together to address local priorities.
“The positive, unintended consequences of this project is testament to the strong networks we have developed with the wellbeing of our local kids at its core.”
Before the project began, many families faced financial and practical challenges accessing dental care. Children in the region also experienced higher rates of oral disease and dental-related hospitalisations than the State average.
Lead for the Early Years Partnership at the Minderoo Foundation Rebecca Clarkson says this project is an excellent example of community organisations, health services, government and the Minderoo Foundation working together to design a solution tailored to local needs.
“With only a very small investment upfront from Minderoo, the childhood dental health project in the central great southern demonstrates how committed local leadership, innovative thinking and flexible funding can kickstart system change,” she said.
The project delivers free dental screenings, treatment, oral health education and referrals through an outreach model that takes services directly to children at early learning centres, kindergartens, playgroups and community events.
The service is delivered by WA Country Health Service, Amity Health and the University of Western Australia Dental School, helping families access care closer to home and supporting early intervention when dental concerns are identified.
As the project has grown, so have the partnerships behind it. In collaboration with Perth Children's Hospital, a local paediatric dental surgery service was established at Katanning Health Service, reducing the need for families to travel to Perth for specialist treatment.
Communities’ Senior Community Engagement Officer Pauline Anyon said this project is about giving every child the opportunity to smile, learn and thrive through better oral health.
“With dental surgeries now available in Katanning, more children can access the care they need closer to home, reducing the need for families to travel to Perth for treatment,” she said.
The initiative is also building local capability by training health professionals to identify dental concerns early and providing dental students with practical experience in regional communities.
Recently recognised at the IPAA WA Achievement Awards, the project is now helping inform similar approaches to improving dental and ear health outcomes in Derby and Bidyadanga.
The Central Great Southern Dental Health Project demonstrates how community-led partnerships can create lasting benefits for children and families by improving access to essential services and supporting healthier starts to life.
Find out more about the Early Years Partnership.
