Aboriginal liaison program :: SA Health

Aboriginal liaison program

In South Australia, the oral health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is significantly worse than the total population. Attendance at mainstream dental clinics has historically been low, despite evidence of need for dental care.

SA Dental Service is committed to improving the oral health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia.

The SA Dental Service Aboriginal Liaison Program began in 2005.

Project aim

To improve oral health outcomes for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait people in South Australia by increasing the number who access mainstream dental services through a community development process.

Aboriginal adults referred through the Aboriginal Liaison Program are entitled to priority general and emergency dental care, including denture related services.
This means they do not need to wait on a public dental clinic waiting list.

Project officers, SA Dental Service liaison officers and Aboriginal Health Service staff work together to encourage and support clients to attend their dental appointments.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible people must be:

  • of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin
  • aged 18 and over
  • the holder of a current Centrelink Concession Card

Referral process

Eligible clients need to have an Oral Health Assessment completed at a Community Health Care Centre. A system for fee waiving for dental treatment has been established.

For more information about the program please email us at sads.healthpromotion@health.sa.gov.au.