Visiting the dentist

Yaama Gurrru, my name is Jade Beetson. I am a proud Ngemba women from Brewarrina, NSW.

I would like first to pay my respect to my Elders Past, Present and Emerging.

For the past 6 years I have been working on Wiradjuri country as an Indigenous dental assistant. Today I would like to share with you information that can help with your dental health concerns. If you have any of the below dental problems you need to see a health professional straight away.

Swollen face
Trouble swallowing
Pain (especially if it is keeping you up at night)
Tooth knocked out

Who is a health professional?

Dentist
Local doctor
Hospital
Aboriginal Medical Services
Aboriginal health worker

Even if you do not have any problems with your mouth, it is important to see your dentist 6 monthly or yearly.

Below I have listed some worries or concerns you may have about dental treatment

Worries or concerns	Did ya know
Remoteness of your community	Living in a remote community can mean you may not have a local dentist, but there are other options available.
Leaving mob/country for treatment	Don’t be shame to speak up about what your worries are about leaving mob/country. There are many support services available have a yarn with a health professional.
I can’t afford the dentist	Free dental treatment is provided throughout Australia at Government dental clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services.
Yarns getting around town	Healthcare workers are obligated to keep your information private. This means they can’t yarn to anyone without your permission about your treatment or what is said at you appointment.
Shame	Healthcare workers are not here to make you feel shame. We are here to work through your concerns when it comes to being shame. Good oral health is important to maintain overall health and wellness.

Anytime is a good time to start your oral hygiene. Don’t be shame to have that yarn with the health professionals mentioned above so we can all have a deadly smile.

Keep your
smile for life

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Visiting the dentist

Who is a health professional?

Worries or concerns

Did ya know

Jade Beetson

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