The Australian Population Health Improvement Research Strategy for Oral Health

Introduction: The Australian Population Health Improvement Research Strategy for Oral Health (APHIRST-Oral Health) is a newly established Dental Health Services Victoria flagship initiative conducted in partnership with the Melbourne School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne. APHIRST-Oral Health will build on current activity in Australia to improve population oral health. Within a social determinants of health framework, APHIRST-Oral Health is concerned with development, delivery and evaluation of policies, services and interventions that directly or indirectly impact on the oral health of Australians at a community or population level. Objective: To increase the quantity and quality of public health improvement research that is focused on upstream interventions, to address the underlying determinants of oral health, particularly those related to the implementation of oral health policies and practices. Methods: Research Development Groups (RDGs) are a feature of this initiative and will provide the mechanism for bringing together an interdisciplinary team of individuals to collaborate and develop research funding proposals and undertake exploratory studies. RDGs will be structured around population age groups and contexts, particularly the disadvantaged, vulnerable, at-risk and most in need and specific projects. The RDGs will be developed producing a portfolio of upstream population oral health research encompassing the areas of policy, environments, community, behaviours and service delivery. We aim to test interventions for effectiveness in improving oral health and reducing inequalities. The translation of research knowledge for use by policy makers, service providers and practitioners will also be a key area of activity. Conclusions: APHIRST-Oral Health will bring together a wide range of stakeholders in a strategic and collaborative alliance to plan and implement a coordinated and solutions-focused platform of research to reduce the burden of oral diseases and address disparities in oral health across the population. Results: To contribute high quality research for upstream population oral health.