An interactive computer CD encouraging young adults to practise good oral health will be launched tomorrow morning.
The Strong Teeth CD translated in English and two Central Australian Indigenous languages - Arrernte and Warlpiri will be officially launched at the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens at 10am.
The Strong Teeth interactive CD was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and developed by the Department of Health and Community Services and the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health from University of Adelaide.
The Strong Teeth interactive CD was a collaborated effort by Dr Kaye Roberts-Thomson (ARCPOH), Dr Bruce Simmons (DHCS) and Christopher Brocklebank from isee-ilearn.com multilingual multimedia.
Central Australian Remote Oral health consultant Bruce Simmons said the final completion of the CD is an exciting step for oral health in Central Australia.
Dr Simmons, who worked as a dentist in Central Australia for 28 years, contributed to the CD by sharing his extensive knowledge of oral health in Central Australia and said the CD was long awaited.
"This is a small but exciting step on a long road to improving oral health and health generally in Central Australia,' said Dr Simmons
"We know oral health is a major issue in Indigenous communities and we know people have difficulty in looking after their teeth.
"So this project is aimed at talking more with Aboriginal people in communities and together find better solutions for people to better look after their teeth."
Dr Simmons said the stories of strong healthy teeth spoken in Arrernte and Warlpiri interested Aboriginal people than listening to it in English.
"Aboriginal people will learn best in their own language and be more interested in oral health if its told in their own language,' said Dr Simmons
"The CD uses photos from different Aboriginal communities in Central Australia and animated characters to teach people healthy eating, regular brushing of teeth and new mothers caring for their baby's teeth.
"It is targeted at older kids, teenagers and new mothers as it might be a bit slow for younger children, but as well as promoting the message of how to have strong healthy teeth there are also messages that could be used for general health and hygiene."
To view the Strong Teeth interactive CD go to www.isee-ilearn.com and click on the Strong Teeth icon.
Media note: Christopher Brocklebank and Andrew McAuliffe will only be available until 10.45am tomorrow morning for interviews.
Media contact Chelsea Rogers on 8951 5123 for further information
Release date: 21 May 2008
