INTEGRATING ORAL HEALTH CARE ACROSS NON-DENTAL PROFESSIONALS: Part 1: How oral health and cardiovascular health, diabetes and cognitive decline are related
Associate Professor Rachel Martin, Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Melbourne & Western Sydney University & Director, Australian Network for the Integration of Oral Health (NIOH) & Director, Australian Dental Research Foundation
Dr Ajesh George, Professor of Interprofessional Oral Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University & Co-Founder & Director, Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health – ACIOH
SEGMENT
Filmed in Melbourne & Liverpool, NSW | January 2025
Poor oral health can contribute to or exacerbate several systemic health conditions due to the close connection between oral bacteria, inflammation, and systemic processes. These conditions include cardiovascular health, diabetes, respiratory health, cognitive health, pregnancy and birth outcomes.
The Australian Network for the Integration of Oral Health (NIOH) was founded in 2017 to promote and drive the alignment and integration of oral and general health systems. The mission of NIOH is to promote collaborative practice among various health professionals, enhancing access to oral health services and encouraging early preventive care. NIOH has over 120 members across universities, government agencies, not-for-profits, consumer groups, and industry within Australia.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Associate Professor Rachel Martin, Director at NIOH about the oral health being intricately linked to overall health, particularly concerning two prevalent diseases: periodontal disease and dental caries, which often go untreated.
Assoc Prof Martin, talks about primary healthcare practitioners playing a vital role in early intervention by proactively asking patients about symptoms such as loose teeth and bleeding gums. She comments on AIHW statistics on Australians hospitalised despite potentially preventable oral conditions, underscoring the need for timely care.
The Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), is the research arm of NIOH. Dr Ajesh George as Co-Founder & Director, of ACIOH spoke to Australian Health Journal about the opportunities that clinical professionals, in dental health care and general health care can play in integrated models of health care and on prevention, early intervention to reduce the burden of disease in Australia.
To see the Australian Health Journal segment, “Integrating oral health care across non-dental professionals, Part 1: How Oral Health and Cardiovascular Health, Diabetes and Cognitive Decline Are Related”, click here.
-
Global MedTech company brings device reprocessing plant to Australia
Cardinal Health is global medical products manufacturer and leading provider of single-use device reprocessing services in the U.S. In Australia and New Zealand, as one of the largest suppliers of medical devices, announced on 23 May 2024 that it will be opening a single-use medical device reprocessing facility in Australia – its first reprocessing facility outside the United States.
On 18 March 2025 at the Health Innovation Living Lab at the John Hunter Hospital, a further announcement was made, on the chosen single-use medical device remanufacturing facility in Beresfield, Newcastle, set to commence operation late 2025, supported by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
-
From refugee to receiving multiple accolades as a community pharmacist
Sara is an experienced pharmacist, community health advocate, and the Lead Pharmacist at Pharmacy 777 Pascoe Vale in Victoria. With over 20 years in the profession, Sara has played a significant role in advancing local healthcare delivery through clinical leadership, service development, and strong community partnerships.
-
Dental and oral health care priorities for the elderly
In 2023, there are a number of changes occurring in dental services including the start of a new Senate inquiry and new registered nurses in residential aged care. Yet in the meantime there are gaps and delays in dental and oral health interventions for elderly Australians, unless training is more widely deployed.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Leonie Short, a dental therapist working for Seniors Dental Care Australia on what she considers are dental and oral health priorities for the elderly, based on her work in the aged, home and disability sectors.
