Dentists from the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme (AACAP) have arrived in Titjikala, Northern Territory, to provide free dental treatment and oral health education until 20 September 2015.
Army personnel have established a temporary clinic and will be on site in Titjikala for three months to provide general dental services for the community. In addition, they will teach children the importance of clean teeth and good oral hygiene.
Lieutenant Valentina Nikiforova, who leads the Army’s health team, said the clinic was a great opportunity for the Titjikala community to easily access local health care.
“The Titjikala community only has access to a rotating medical officer for a couple of days per month, and normally people would only get to see a dentist twice per year,” she said.
“In addition to providing general dental services, we are talking with individuals and families to increase awareness of the importance of good oral health, nutrition and general well-being.”
The AACAP dental programme also provides easy access to toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste and dental floss. It emphasises good tooth-brushing techniques to children through examples, presentations and practise.
Lieutenant Nikiforova encouraged people within the community to visit the clinics and benefit from the expertise on offer.
The dental services are part of a broader AACAP project, which is a joint initiative between the Australian Army and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C).
Resourcing of projects is shared between PM&C, which provides up to $6 million per year, and the Army, which contributes significant personnel and equipment resources to deliver the works.
AACAP aims to improve environmental health and living conditions in remote Indigenous communities. One project is delivered in a remote Indigenous community each year, providing infrastructure, health services and vocational training. The AACAP health team includes personnel predominantly from the Australian Army’s 2nd General Health Battalion.
Media note:
Media wishing to visit AACAP should register their interest with Media Ops on the contact details below. Visiting media will be escorted by Lieutenant Nikiforova. The Contingent Commander, Major Chris Sampson, will also be available for comment.
For more information about AACAP visit www.army.gov.au/Our-people/Army-Indigenous-community/Army-Indigenous-initiatives.
Media contacts:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Simona DiToro Bell, Regional Manager Public Affairs (08) 8923 5741 or 0411 885 994
