Improving Access to Oral Health Services for Children with Disability

About the Project

People/organisations involved:

Principal Investigator: A/Prof Anura Ariyawardana, Clinical Principal Dentist, Oral Health Services, Community and Oral Health

Research team:

Dr Kelsey Chapman, The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University
Dr Sumit Sachdev, MSH Oral Health
Martine Waters, Metro South Health
Debbie Cowan, Metro South Health
A/Professor Jessica Paynter, Griffith University
Prof Elizabeth Kendall, Griffith University
Prof Tamara Ownsworth, Griffith University
Dr Candy Fung, MSH Oral Health
Gia Lowry, Griffith University

The project 'Improving Access to and Experience of Oral Health Services for Children with Disability by Reducing Reliance on General Anaesthesia' aims to improve access to and experiences of oral health care for children with disability in Metro South by reducing unnecessary reliance on general anaesthesia (GA). With more than 600 children currently on the GA waitlist, delays can worsen oral health outcomes and quality of life.

The study will investigate clinical, behavioural and system-level factors influencing referrals for GA and co-design a standardised assessment framework to support better decision-making. The goal is to ensure children receive the right care, at the right time, in the least restrictive setting possible.

Aim and objectives

To reduce avoidable use of general anaesthesia for dental treatment among children with disability.

Objectives:

• Identify key clinical, behavioural and systemic factors contributing to GA referrals.
• Examine patterns and drivers within the Metro South GA waiting list.
• Co-design a standardised clinical assessment framework with clinicians and families.
• Pilot and refine a decision-support tool to guide appropriate care pathways.
• Strengthen workforce capability to support children with disability in community-based dental settings.

Expected outcomes and impact

The project will generate new evidence to inform clinical decision-making and service planning. Expected outcomes include:

• A co-designed assessment and decision-support framework embedded into practice.
• Improved triage and reduced unnecessary GA referrals.
• Shorter wait times for children who genuinely require GA.
• Enhanced clinician confidence and capability.
• Improved equity of access for priority populations, including First Nations children and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
  
  

Longer term, the project has potential to influence paediatric oral health service delivery across Queensland.

Project status and timeframe

Status: Commencing 2026 (subject to ethics and governance approvals)
Duration: 24 months

The first phase will focus on retrospective audit and co-design of the assessment framework, followed by pilot implementation and evaluation within Metro South Health Oral Health clinics.

Project funded by the 2026 Metro South Health Research Support Scheme, MSH SERTA.