The partnership between the Australian Dental Health Foundation [ADHF] and the Mars Wrigley Foundation is one of the best things that have ever happened to the oral health of Australians, especially those of disadvantaged groups. If you are a dentist in the Australian regional community, you can apply for the Healthier Smiles Community Service Grants Program.
With applications opening on 21 April, the Grants offer dentists, teams of dental professionals, and dental students up to AU$107, 000 to help them implement oral health community service, preventive care, and education in some high-risk and most in-need communities in Australia.
There are a total of 10 X US$8,200 grants, which is approximately AU$10,780 available for registered ADA dentists or students. Over the last 10 years, the partnership between the ADHF and the Mars Wrigley Foundation has invested more than UD$1 million in oral health education, screening, and treatment to over 50,000 Australians. This has been achieved, thanks to the two organisations above, as well as the ADA and Australian government’s commitment to dental marketing strategies with purpose.
What is the aim of the Grants? Well, the Grants generally have three main aims, including:
To facilitate the delivery of oral health programs that provides sustained benefits, such as education, screening, and treatment for the disadvantaged communities across Australia.
To support the work the dental community is doing to address oral health issues which the disadvantaged communities in Australia are facing.
To ensure that Australia’s oral health outcomes continue to get better through improved delivery, access, and education. Whether you’re a Brisbane dentist looking to participate or an Adelaide orthodontist we believe you can enter as long as you’re actively taking action to benefit Australian regional communities.
Some of the recipients who have benefited from this partnership include:
The Royal Flying Doctor Service: it provides same-day dental treatment to seven remote communities throughout the Northern Territory and South Australia.
Cherbourg Volunteer Dental Clinic: it allows the provision of emergency, preventive dental treatment, as well as education to the indigenous communities living in Cherbourg.
Dental on Eyre: it received funding to implement a fluoride education and delivery program to the disadvantaged groups in the Eyre region.
Eligibility
Applicants must be residents of Australia and registered ADA member dentists or dental students
Applications can be made on behalf of a cross-functional team of oral health practitioners, including oral health therapists as well as hygienists
Applicants must demonstrate excellent involvement in a community oral health program or project
Your application should:
Clearly describe community need for support, and if possible, provide current and relevant statistics about the local community.
Demonstrate why the current project is timely for the community.
Describe how oral health education is one element of the application.
Outline anticipated outcomes and measurement approach.
How to apply:
To be considered, you need to complete and submit your application by Friday, 18 June 2021.
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