Methods: In May 2009 two members of staff of the University of Newcastle travelled to Soe with a delegation from the community organisation to investigate the educational potential and safety aspects of these proposed student placements. Staff provided a range of dental services and education during the visit, and identified a great need for both dental services and dental education in Soe and its environs. Staff submitted a proposal for student placement, aligning it with current curriculum requirements. The University approved the proposal conditional upon current travel warnings. Expressions of interest from students were obtained, and criteria for acceptance were established.
Results: In 2010, the first student placement was completed. Over 5 days the dental team saw approximately 500 patients, in a variety of settings including the orphanage, a local village, and a local primary school. Treatments provided include plaque disclosing, toothbrushing instruction, fluoride applications and debridement. A prevention program in line with the principles of the Ottawa Charter was developed and implemented, and appeared to be well received.
Conclusions: This overseas placement provides a unique educational opportunity for dental hygiene students that is not readily available in urban Australia, allowing them volunteer their skills and implement aspects of their health promotion curriculum.