The Population Oral Health Project was developed in response to the current decline in children's oral health. 

SA Dental Service is working collaboratively with health professionals to improve the early identification and referral of children experiencing decay.

Good oral health is integral to overall health and wellbeing.  Poor oral health causes pain, irritability, infections, loss of sleep, restlessness and poor nutrition.

In addition, over 1,700 South Australian children aged 0-8 years were hospitalised during 2007-08 for dental extractions and restorations.

Identifying Decay

A simple ‘Lift the Lip’ screening and referral tool is available to identify children (6months-5 years) with early signs of tooth decay.

Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service Nurses and General Practitioners and Practice Nurses are able to use this tool to refer children for priority dental care. 

Early signs of tooth decay are easy to identify as it usually starts in the outer surfaces of the top front teeth.

Screening for tooth decay involves simply lifting the top lip and checking the outer surfaces of the top front teeth.

Evidence shows that if identified early, preventive measures (such as the application of fluoride) are successful in preventing the progress of decay.

The 'Lift the Lip' Screening Tool

Simply lift the top lip and check the outer surfaces of the top front teeth

Healthy teeth	Early signs of decay	More advanced decay
No referral required	White lines along the gum line can be the beginning of tooth decay. Please refer for a dental visit.	Brown areas or decayed spots. Please refer for a dental visit.

Referral process

Children exhibiting early signs of decay can be referred by a health professional using the 'Lift the Lip' Screening Tool, to any SA Dental Service Clinic or private dental practice.

The referral is posted/faxed to SA Dental Service (reply paid envelopes are provided). 

SA Dental Service 'Lift the Lip' Referral Form

A Health Professional will complete a referral.  A copy will be given to the parent/guardian to keep as a reference, a copy is posted/faxed to SA Dental Service (reply paid envelopes are provided) and the Health Professional keeps a copy.

Computer software templates are available for General Practitioners and Practice Nurses, please click here to be directed to computer software templates.

Parent/guardians can choose to attend either the public (School Dental Service) or the private dental sector.

• Children referred have a priority appointment
• There are no waiting lists for children accessing dental care at SA Dental Service Clinics
• All dental care is free for preschool children
• SA Dental Service have clinics throughout South Australia
• SA Dental Service recommends children have a dental check at around 12 months.

Please click here for a list of School Dental Service Clinics