La Trobe University’s latest research shows that in some rural areas of Victoria where there is a shortage of qualified dentists, pharmacists are gradually taking on the role of oral health advice and toothache consultation.
The study, published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health, emphasizes that the scope of rural pharmacists’ duties should be expanded in a targeted manner and the community’s acceptance of their oral health advice should be assessed.
A total of 11 pharmacists were interviewed in the study, who suggested that special training should be provided so that they can provide relevant advice more safely and effectively, and establish a collaborative mechanism with dentists. One pharmacist admitted: “We are the only option in town, and the nearest dental clinic is more than 20 minutes away by car.”
These pharmacists provide up to three dental-related consultations a week, usually based on impromptu questions or drug consultations from customers. Recommendations include brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using fluoride mouthwash, quitting smoking and improving eating habits.
Professor Joseph Tucci, head of pharmacy at La Trobe University’s School of Rural Health, said that although many pharmacists are willing to help, time and manpower constraints prevent them from providing more in-depth services. “In areas where there is a lack of dentists, pharmacists are often the only healthcare professionals available to residents.”
He stressed that with structured support, pharmacists can play a greater role in preventing and managing oral health problems. However, many respondents currently said that they lack confidence in conducting in-depth oral examinations due to a lack of equipment, private consultation space and formal training.
A pharmacist said: “While we understand the need for this service, we are short of staff and it is difficult to spare the time.”
The study ultimately recommended that more training and development opportunities should be provided to rural pharmacists to expand their service capabilities to more effectively respond to residents’ dental consultation needs.
Professor Santosh Tadakamadla, head of the Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, pointed out that pharmacists’ oral advice is currently mostly reactive.
Many oral diseases could have been prevented if they could intervene more proactively. He added: “Through active guidance, pharmacists have the potential to play a more critical role in primary oral health maintenance.”
