Dentist Vincenzo Figliomeni had been working in an on-call emergency role at Perth Children’s Hospital when he started to see a worrying trend.
Many patients that were flown in from remote areas of Western Australia had severe and multiple dental issues.
To better understand the lifestyle contributing to this lack of dental health, Dr Vince joined the RFDS as a casual dentist in 2020, while also running a private practice in Perth.
“My work with the RFDS has taken me across the state to places like Halls Creek, Wiluna, and Warburton in the Gibson Desert,” Dr Vince said.
Our vast state presents logistical and geographical hurdles that can significantly impact healthcare delivery. A trip to Warburton involves a flight on a small propeller plane from Perth to Kalgoorlie for refuelling, followed by another flight further inland. Stepping out into the intense desert heat and being swarmed by flies, underscores the unique challenges faced in remote regions.
One of the most pressing issues affecting dental health in remote communities is high sugar consumption.
“Cheap carbonated beverages exacerbate dental issues,” he said. He says a shortage of staff at schools and in health care to educate communities about the detrimental effects of sugary products means the situation doesn’t improve.
The gap in dental health status and accessibility to care between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations is evident. A 2020 report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare revealed significantly higher treatment rates for end-stage kidney disease among Indigenous Australians, particularly in remote areas, which can be correlated to uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes and is reflective of the long-term effects of high sugar consumption.
In many remote communities, patients may wait months or even years for treatment, leading to prolonged suffering from dental issues like impacted wisdom teeth, decay and periodontal diseases.
Despite the challenges, Dr Vince says providing dental care in underserved communities is immensely fulfilling.
Alleviating patients' long-term dental pain and making a tangible difference in someone’s life is a rewarding aspect of this unique role. It also offers a chance to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of Australia.
Dr VinceDr Vince would like to see more dentists put their hand up to work casually with the RFDS.
“By bridging the health care gap and experiencing the challenges and rewards of remote dentistry, we can make a meaningful difference.”
Expanding primary health care services is a key priority for the RFDS WA as part of our new five-year strategy.
