Filling the Gap: an evaluation of a voluntary dental program within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled primary health service

摘要: Objectives: For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, access to oral health care is complicated by a maldistribution of dentists in regional areas. To address this problem Far North Queensland, volunteer dental program 'Filling the Gap' was established 2006 partnership with local community controlled primary service. This paper reports on program's first formal evaluation its findings. Methods: The operation over two-year period investigated using multiple methods including literature review, examining patient characteristics (n=50), exploring episodes types care, patterns recruitment, stakeholder perceptions through collection analysis both quantitative qualitative data. Results: Key findings revealed that 79 weeks were provided 68 visitors addressing needs satisfactorily eliminating waiting lists. Stakeholders believed met pressing need, enhanced workforce development, quality service continuity enabled cross-cultural relationships thrive, familiarity trust felt patients towards wider staff extending short-stay volunteers. Conclusion: Whilst at same time highlighting critical importance within setting, found be effective appropriate. Its success, however, should not take place sustainable, accessible services remote Australia.