The Aboriginal Oral Health Program (AOHP) began in late 2005 in response to an identified need to improve oral health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia.

Since 2005 there has been an increase in Aboriginal adult and children attendance for dental care each year.

"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, acknowledgement of the effect of colonial policies and racism on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is important for providing culturally safe services that meet the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

SA Dental respects the stories, traditions and living culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the important role this plays in the overall health and wellbeing of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

SA Dental recognises the impact of social determinants on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the significant barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience in accessing services, including dental services.

SA Dental commits to providing a culturally respectful environment that enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to access safe and equitable oral health care.

The AOHP artwork was designed in 2018 by Allan Sumner, a Ngarrindjeri - Kaurna - Yankunytjatjara artist from South Australia and is a reflection of SA Dental’s Aboriginal Oral Health Program.

It contains 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 grassroots with community people, providing dental information, programs and services.

In 2021, Allan Sumner designed a smaller artwork to apply to one of the SA Dental fleet vehicles.

The narrative speaks about education and going to different communities and events to promote dental hygiene.

Using the same colours 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.