Our First Smile Friendly Partner: Eldercare Allambi

“Access to dental services for older people can be limited by physical frailty, cognitive impairment, and comorbidities, but ADF’s mobile dental teams helps us to overcome these obstacles by routinely visiting all of our sites to provide specialist management of oral disease and related problems,” Eldercare’s General Manager of Wellbeing and Allied Program Bernard Morrison said.

“We are also excited to be a part of the ADF’s Smile Friendly Partnership, which promotes the importance of oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups for older people in residential care.” added Bernard Morrison.

Eldercare Allambi proudly stands as the first Smile Friendly site for the Australian Dental Foundation. The recently launched Smile Friendly Partnership aims to recognise and encourage aged care facilities and schools that prioritise good oral health care.

Sheree Hill, Clinical Nurse Consultant at Allambi, is a champion of good oral health care at one of Australia’s largest aged care facilities, catering to 215 residents. As the inaugural Smile Friendly Hero, Sheree is leading the way as the Foundation looks forward to expanding its partnership across Australia.

Smile Friendly partner sites, like Allambi, gain access to additional resources, including oral health care products and learning materials for staff and students in schools.

Foundation Chairperson Dr Greg Miller emphasises that oral health care is everyone’s responsibility. “We want to encourage everyone to get involved, and our Smile Friendly Heroes will be excellent ambassadors. It’s people like Sheree who can make such a difference for our vulnerable elderly individuals.”

Bernard Morrison expressed Eldercare’s excitement in being a part of the new Smile Friendly Partnership, emphasising the significant impact it has on overcoming the limitations faced by older individuals in accessing dental services.

“Access to dental services for older people can be limited by physical frailty, cognitive impairment and comorbidities but ADF’s mobile dental teams help us to overcome these obstacles by routinely visiting all of our sites to provide specialist management of oral disease and related problems,” Mr Morrison said.

The Smile Friendly Partnership signifies a commitment to enhancing oral health and well-being for older Australians, and Eldercare is proud to lead the way in fostering a Smile Friendly environment.

For further insights into the crucial importance of dental health for older people, visit Eldercare’s website.