Kulungah Myah is now a key stakeholder in a community research project conducted by the University of Western Australia (UWA) into oral health in young children.

Despite public spending of over $9billion per annum on dental services in Australia, oral disease is one of the most common and costly diseases of early childhood.

The research study aims to explore the complex issues involved and to look at the broader social context which can impact the perceptions and behaviours of families.  The research will be used to create changes to policies and practices that better understand poor oral health, and that improve health outcomes for young children.

Dr Emma Hayes from the School of Population and Global Health at UWA met with staff and user group representatives on December 1st.  She also explored related themes with the young families attending Somerville Playgroup who have formed part of the study sample group.

Kulungah Myah looks forward to receiving the study’s initial findings, and to leading health promotion efforts in our locality.