The Fluoride Varnish (FV) Project is a groundbreaking health initiative that led to changes in Victorian legislation, enabling Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHPs) to obtain, possess, and administer FV as part of their routine health services in ACCOs.



This community-led change addresses significant oral health disparities in Aboriginal children.

Why it’s needed

• Aboriginal children in Victoria experience tooth decay at 1.5–2.5 times the rate of the general population.
  
• Limited access to dental services, high costs, and low cultural safety have reduced preventive care uptake.
  
• FV is a proven, cost-effective prevention method but was previously restricted to dental practitioners.
  

Key Actions

Policy advocacy & reform

LMARG led a multi-year advocacy campaign, supported by research and consultation, resulting in the 2022 amendment to the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations.

Workforce empowerment

Authorising AHPs to deliver FV within ACCOs, removing dependence on external dental services.

Integrated care

Embedding FV into regular health checks, early childhood services, and schools.

Training & sustainability

Developing training programs and referral pathways to public dental clinics when needed.

Cultural safety in delivery

Ensuring FV applications happen in familiar, trusted community settings.

Outcomes

• Increased access to preventive oral health care for Aboriginal children.
• Reduced logistical and cultural barriers to service delivery.
• Strengthened Aboriginal health workforce capacity.
• A scalable model for culturally safe oral health promotion that could be adopted nationally.