Dental Health Week takes place every year in the first week of August. In 2023 Dental Health Week focuses on the mouth and whole-body connection with the theme Mind, Body, Mouth – it's all connected.

Oral health influences the rest of the body with different medical conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, heart disease, gut issues, lung conditions and Alzheimer's disease. Prioritising good oral hygiene helps not only improve the health of your mouth but reduces the effects disease within the mouth may have on other chronic health conditions.

Four easy ways to maintain good oral health:

  1. Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste

  2. Clean between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes

  3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake

  4. Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventative care

If you live in the Northern Territory, you can receive free dental services if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • You are under 18 years old, still in school and don't work full-time.

  • As part of the Australian Government's cleft lip and cleft palate scheme, for more information, go to the Services Australia website.

  • You have a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card.

  • You have a Centrelink Health Care Card.

  • You live more than 100km away from the nearest dental service in a remote area, and if you need emergency dental care but don't have access to private dental services, you can receive care from the visiting dental team.

Visit nt.gov.au to find out more information.

If you are a Dentist or Oral Health Therapist interested in working for RAHC, you can view our latest job post here - https://dentalcareers.org.au/job/dentist-casual-remote-communities-northern-territory-14988