Who we are
The Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), is the research arm of the Australian Network for the Integration of Oral Health (NIOH). ACIOH aims to provide a national platform where research institutions and centres around the country can collaborate on integrated oral health projects.
Our focus
ACIOH has a focus on capacity building and training the health workforce, students and unpaid caregivers in providing integrated oral health care, including education, screening and referrals. We also focus on priority populations across the lifespan, and ensuring their integrated oral health needs are met.
Our rationale
Oral health is an integral part of general health, known to impact various systematic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and pregnancy. However, this remains under-recognised, with the population lacking awareness of the importance of oral health, and a lack of emphasis on oral care in general clinical practice and patient care. In Australia, there has been limited integration of oral health into public clinical care, with oral health largely being the responsibility of the private sector.
This is of particular concern for vulnerable and under-privileged populations, who may not be able to access private dental care due to its high cost. Integrating oral health care into other clinical care can therefore not only improve oral health outcomes for patients, but also other health outcomes, including management of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, recovery from stroke and positive pregnancy outcomes. Thus, there is a clear need for a focus on integrated oral health research in Australia.