The Australian Government is investing nearly $4 million to advance oral health research aimed at benefiting all Australians. This funding, administered through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), will support five focused research projects under the Targeted Call for Research on Oral Health Care in Australia 2024. These projects are designed to identify and address significant gaps in effective oral health interventions across the population, particularly within health services.
The research initiatives aim to ease the burden on the health system and potentially lower costs over time. One of the standout projects is led by Dr. Tami Yap from the University of Melbourne. This initiative seeks to enhance access to specialist oral cancer screening for rural communities in Australia. By employing digital tools, the project intends to upskill rural health teams, effectively removing geographical barriers that hinder mouth cancer screening. This approach aims to bridge the divide between urban and rural healthcare by allowing specialists to conduct diagnostic assessments remotely using digital health services.
Another significant project is spearheaded by Joanne Hedges, a senior Aboriginal research officer at the University of Adelaide’s Indigenous Oral Health Unit. Her focus is on implementing a silver diamine fluoride intervention to reduce oral health inequities among Indigenous youth. This non-invasive dental treatment involves applying a liquid solution of silver and fluoride to halt the progression of tooth decay. The benefit of this approach is that it can be administered without the need for immediate dental visits, which is particularly advantageous for remote communities.
The findings from this research could transform how oral health is managed for Indigenous children and young people. It promises not only to lead to cost savings on dental treatments but also to improve overall wellbeing, nutrition, and educational outcomes. Ultimately, this could enhance the quality of life for children, young individuals, and the broader Indigenous community.
Full details about the funded projects and their respective researchers are available on the NHMRC’s outcomes of funding rounds page.
Minister for Health, Mark Butler, remarked on the initiative, stating, “This funding is an investment into the healthy smiles of all Australians. These important research projects could reduce the incidence, prevalence, and effects of oral health issues and reduce inequalities in oral health status across the Australian population.”
Additionally, NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh emphasized the significance of the funding, noting, “A Targeted Call for Research is a one-off funding opportunity designed to address critical gaps in health knowledge, directing research efforts where they’re needed most. Oral health research is a crucial part of health and medical research, aiming to improve care, treatments, and services within the primary health care setting.”
The research funded by this initiative not only expands Australian research capacity but also builds a robust evidence base for targeted interventions addressing oral health issues within the population and the health system at large. Congratulations to all successful grant recipients for their contributions to advancing oral health care in Australia.
