Improving cross-cultural awareness. A review of Australian indigenous health for UK dentists

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to give an insight into the unique health issues faced by the indigenous population of Australia and their direct relationship to oral health, to help overseas dentists wishing to work in Australia to treat these groups of patients successfully and effectively. This applies equally to indigenous Australians living in remote Australia as well as to those living in general suburbia.

Data sources: A Medline search was carried out for any articles in dental and medical journals pertaining to Australian indigenous health and Australian oral health.

Data selection: Wherever possible, articles cited were obtained in full and where this was not possible, abstracts were obtained. Where no abstract was available, the article was not considered for evaluation.

Data extraction: Articles were reviewed by a single observer and were subject to meeting inclusion criteria indicated in the review.

Data synthesis: Articles were divided into historical, diet, oral health and general health categories. Subjective descriptions were then made.

Conclusions: The adoption of a 'westernised' diet by the Australian indigenous community has placed them as a high risk population for dental caries and periodontal disease. They also show some of the highest rates in the world for Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) and Rheumatic Fever. The UK dentist should be aware of these health issues and their relationship to indigenous oral health before embarking on work within Australia.