Abstract
Introduction: Oral health is integral to a child’s general health and wellbeing. However, preventable oral diseases (such as tooth decay) are among the most common health problems experienced by children. In South Australia, the number of young children presenting with Early Childhood Caries remains consistently high.
The Lift the Lip Program was originally developed by SA Dental in 2007 and has recently been relaunched. The Program aims to improve oral health outcomes for all South Australian children aged 0-5 by identifying early signs of tooth decay and referring for preventive interventions.
Lift the Lip utilises a holistic approach which acknowledges the link between oral health and overall health. It also promotes equity in oral health, ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities for early detection and intervention.
Who does Lift the Lip target? Lift the Lip primarily targets children aged 0-5 and their parents/carers. Pregnant women are also included in strategies to increase oral health knowledge and awareness.
Who is involved / engaged? A number of non-dental professionals have been involved with Lift the Lip since its inception, including GPs, Practice Nurses, Migrant Health and Aboriginal Health Workers and Child Care Workers. Most successfully, Lift the Lip has been embedded into the Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) Model of Care.
What was done? Lift the Lip is a screening tool developed by SA Dental in collaboration with the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health. Screening involves simply lifting a child’s top lip and checking the outer surfaces of the top front teeth for early to advanced signs of tooth decay.
If children have signs of tooth decay, they are referred for appropriate dental treatment. The tool is specifically designed so it can be used by dental and/or non-dental professionals. SA Dental have provided training for non-dental staff so they can carry out screening in their own settings.
A suite of educational resources has also been developed to help foster long-term oral health habits among young children and families.
What impact has Lift the Lip had? Since the start of the Program, more than 10,000 children aged 0-5 have been referred for early dental care. Lift the Lip has helped to reduce the burden on the healthcare system, thereby minimising the risk of complications and associated costs.
What is the learning for the international audience? The success of Lift the Lip serves as a valuable model for other regions and countries aiming to enhance oral health outcomes for children in their early years.
What are the next steps? SA Dental acknowledges there is still significant work to be done in this area. Our current Strategic Plan supports continuation of the Lift the Lip Program, education of families and ongoing collaboration with external stakeholders.