Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation provides culturally safe, holistic health and wellbeing services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Wagga Wagga and surrounding areas. Photo: Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation.
Wagga Wagga will receive $45,000 worth of improved dental services for First Nations people as part of a funding boost to the region.
With the funding, Riverina Aboriginal Medical and Dental Corporation (RIVMED) will purchase an intraoral camera and additional dental equipment.
RIVMED is one of the 15 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) that received a total of $1,705,000 to help replace, update or purchase equipment and deliver additional dental services.
ACCHOs are incorporated Aboriginal organisations initiated by and based in local Aboriginal communities. They deliver holistic and culturally appropriate health services to their communities.
Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said he was told by the RIVMED team that the new equipment was a game-changer for the organisation.
“It will help it to treat more people more efficiently and ensure Wagga’s Aboriginal community gets the dental health care it deserves,” Dr McGirr said.
“RIVMED is partnering with Charles Sturt University in a supervised student placement program that, combined with the new equipment, will enable the organisation to halve its waiting list and make a real difference to patients.”
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said oral health influenced general health.
“A healthy mouth ensures people can eat, speak and socialise without discomfort and embarrassment,” Mr Park said.
“A targeted funding boost to allow ACCHOs to update or replace their equipment helps address disparities experienced in vulnerable population groups and will positively impact the overall population’s health and wellbeing.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the targeted funding ensured services met the unique needs of local Aboriginal communities.
“We’re committed to ensuring people can continue to have access to oral health services that are culturally responsive, safe and of high quality,” Mr Harris said.
With additional funding, ACCHOs will have the resources to tailor their services as needed.
It will allow them to improve and increase their ability to provide holistic health care to the community now and in the future.
The NSW Government remains committed to its partnership with the Aboriginal health sector and funds 25 ACCHOs to provide dental care for patients across the state.
Further information on public dental services can be found online.
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