Dental Health Services Victoria has launched the Supporting every smile website to help disability support services promote good oral health.
People who experience disability are also more likely to experience oral health problems than the wider community, including more severe gum disease and fewer natural teeth.
DHSV’s consultation with the disability sector identified a need for information and resources which can help organisations and individuals address this disparity.
The Supporting every smile website brings together relevant, evidence-based information, resources and tips in an easy-to-use, freely available, online format.
DHSV CEO Dr Deborah Cole said that disability services often recognise oral health as an important issue for the people they support but are frequently unsure of what they can do about it.
“Supporting every smile is a great place to start for anyone who is keen to address oral health,” Dr Cole said.
“By building staff oral health knowledge and skills and having policies and procedures in place which support good oral health, services can have a real impact on preventing oral disease in their community.”
