DHSV improves the oral health of Victorians, particularly vulnerable groups and those most in need through The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne (RDHM) and community health agencies. They needed to improve the health outcomes of their Indigenous people and encourage them to seek care in a culturally inclusive environment.
They introduced an Indigenous Employment Program, creating an emerging talent pipeline for clinical and non-clinical roles for their Indigenous workforce. They engaged in new partnerships within the Aboriginal community, partnered with other organisations to support health promotion activities and developed new talent attraction and acquisition practices that were culturally inclusive.
At 2%, they exceeded their Indigenous employment target. 60% of trainees are now working in public oral health; two expanded their career and completed a Bachelor of Dentistry, becoming the first Indigenous male and female students to be accepted in this degree. Their Indigenous patients have increased by 32% state-wide.