The Aboriginal Oral Health Program was established in late 2005 in response to a recognised need to support better oral health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia.

Since then, there has been a steady increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and children choosing to access care through SA Dental each year. This ongoing growth reflects the importance of culturally respectful and accessible dental services within the community.

"We acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians on whose ancestral lands we provide dental services.

We acknowledge the deep feeling of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to Country.

We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people attending our services.

We are committed to improving the oral health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."

As outlined in the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, recognising the impacts of colonial policies and racism on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is essential to providing care that is culturally safe, respectful, and responsive. 

SA Dental values and respects the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge the strength and importance of culture and its central role in supporting community wellbeing.

We also recognise that social, cultural and economic factors can create significant barriers to accessing health services, including dental care. Understanding these challenges helps us provide care that is more compassionate, accessible and supportive.

SA Dental is committed to creating a welcoming and culturally respectful environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel safe, valued and supported to access equitable oral health care.

SA Dental recognises the importance of attending and acknowledging significant events and celebrations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including Closing the Gap, National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. 

These occasions provide opportunities to listen, learn and reflect, while strengthening our commitment to reconciliation and culturally respectful care. 

Through recognition and participation, SA Dental affirms its ongoing commitment to improving oral health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in South Australia.

PURRUNA TIA ‘Healthy Teeth’ artwork was designed in 2018 by accomplished Aboriginal South Australian artist Allan Sumner who is a descendant of the Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Yankunytjatjara Peoples.

This artwork is a reflection of SA Dental’s Aboriginal Oral Health Program (AOHP).

The AOHP works within the community, enabling South Australians to achieve better oral health and wellbeing through: health promotion, timely dental treatment with a focus on prevention, early intervention and support for education and research.

The artwork has three main themes which include elements that reflect oral health, water and land.

The artwork is also a reflection of the AOHP journey - working at grass roots with community people, providing dental information, programs and services.

Kaurna Language Translations

Purruna - to make (someone) whole or healthy, heal (someone)

Tia - Tooth or row of teeth

Tia-wirrkarriti - Toothbrush

Tiyangaru - Toothpaste

In 2021, Allan Sumner designed a second artwork.

The artwork reflects AOHP providing education for communities to promote oral health.

Using the same colours, this second artwork is considered an extension of the original artwork. 

SA Dental has permission to use the artwork in its entirety, or a range of approved elements, on promotional resources. The use of the artwork must be approved by the AOHP team.