A vital partnership between Australia’s largest dental charity, the Australian Dental Foundation Incorporated (ADFi), and the Department for Child Protection (DCP) is helping vulnerable children and young people receive much-needed dental care, particularly those in foster or kinship care. The mobile dental clinics, which have been operating for over a year, are playing a crucial role in ensuring that young people in care get the dental treatments they may otherwise miss.
For 17-year-old Billy, the visit to the ADFi mobile clinic at the DCP office in Gawler marked a positive experience. After receiving two fillings and a thorough clean, Billy expressed relief, saying, “Not as bad as last time,” a reflection of how the support and care provided during the visit made him feel more at ease. His Aunt Carley, who cares for Billy, stayed by his side during the treatment, offering reassurance as the young patient underwent his procedure.
Dr. Khyati Sapra, who runs the mobile clinic, is no stranger to working with children and young people in care. Having completed her Masters in Social Work alongside her dentistry degree, Dr. Sapra is particularly well-equipped to handle the unique needs of vulnerable children, ensuring they receive compassionate and competent care.
The ADFi’s mobile clinics, which travel to DCP offices equipped with folding dentist chairs and other mobile equipment, aim to catch young patients who may have difficulty accessing dental care otherwise. Since their inception, the mobile clinics have treated over 100 children in just one year, offering critical dental services, including routine examinations, fillings, and sometimes even orthodontic care.
The partnership between ADFi and DCP has been instrumental in providing accessible dental care for vulnerable children in care. The mobile clinics ensure that kids like Billy can receive treatments without needing to travel far, and for carers who may not be able to provide transport, case workers are available to help facilitate visits.
The DCP is also working closely with SA Dental, helping nearly 3,000 children and young people receive dental care annually. This partnership, including both mobile clinics and traditional dental offices, has helped provide essential services such as fillings, extractions, and even orthodontic work. In 2023-24 alone, over 2,400 children in care were treated, with nearly 1,000 receiving fillings and extractions. The outreach has extended to remote areas like the APY Lands, ensuring even children in the state’s far north get the care they need.
Dr. Greg Miller, Chairman of ADFi, emphasized the importance of continued care for these young people as they transition out of the care system. “We have made arrangements so young people like Billy can have their orthodontic work continue once they leave care,” he said, highlighting the charity’s commitment to ensuring ongoing care for those in need.
The success of the mobile clinics and the partnerships with DCP and SA Dental showcase the critical role that accessible healthcare, particularly oral health, plays in the overall well-being and development of children in care. Oral health affects not only speech and nutrition but also social interactions and self-esteem, making it an essential part of a child’s overall growth and development.
For the carers and children involved, the mobile clinics offer convenience and peace of mind. Adam, a foster carer for Sarah and her sister Jane, found the mobile clinic’s presence invaluable, stating, “For us, it’s more convenient to bring her to the clinic than her usual dentist. This is nice and easy.”
Thanks to these vital partnerships, children in care, including those in remote and regional areas, are receiving the dental care they need to stay healthy and thrive. And with services provided at no cost to carers, the ADFi and DCP ensure that every child in care can access the essential healthcare that is so crucial to their future.
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