A comparison of two models of dental care for Aboriginal communities in New South Wales

Abstract

Background

Aboriginal people, and particularly those in rural areas, continue to suffer very high levels of dental disease despite significant reductions in the wider Australian population in the past 30 years. Until recently, there has been a shortage of oral health clinicians and the majority have provided care in major cities. The NSW Government funded various models of care for rural and regional areas and vulnerable population groups including Aboriginal people. This study utilises a comparative retrospective analysis to compare two models of oral health care for Aboriginal people including those living in rural NSW to inform future policy decisions.

Methods

Two models of public oral health care for Aboriginal patients in NSW were examined using publicly available descriptive information. Two years of funding and Dental Weighted Activity Units (DWAUs) data were analysed and regression analysis was used to compare the trends of monthly time series of DWAUs for the two different models.

Results

The cost per DWAU for Model A was significantly higher than Model B, and Model B delivered significantly more treatment over the period.

Conclusions

Based on the standardised national weighted pricing for public dentistry Model B offers significantly more services for less financial resources.

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