1. Position Summary
Members of dental teams should support volunteer programs and act ethically in the best interests of the community. Volunteer dental care should seek to provide optimal care and adopt a person-centred approach considering the values of the individual and the community.
2. Position
2.1. Dental Team Members and other personnel should support dental volunteer programs.
2.2. Volunteering should aim to support local communities to develop and manage ongoing programs.
2.3. Dental volunteering involves the provision of unpaid dental education and care.
2.4. Volunteers working in dental volunteer programs should only provide care within their training expertise and scope of practice. The volunteers must be prepared to provide post-operative care.
2.5. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has a role in recognising and supporting its members who are dental volunteers.
2.6. Strategies for local provision of ongoing dental care to the community should include the development of a local workforce and infrastructure.
2.7. Dental volunteer projects must have the authority of and work in conjunction with relevant local authorities and conform to legal requirements.
2.8. Dental volunteers must act in an ethical manner. They must understand and respect the cultural beliefs and practices of the local community.
2.9. Dental volunteers and directors of projects should review and evaluate the programs in which they participate to ensure their ongoing relevance. This could include studying the oral health profile of the community, and any unique local factors contributing to oral diseases and strategies for disease control.
2.10. Volunteer programs should ensure appropriate follow-up management of patients has been organised where needed and possible.
2.11. Every effort should be made to protect the health and safety of dental volunteers, local personnel and patients.
2.12. Dental volunteers should consult with the local professional body or public health service prior to introducing new materials and equipment in order to ensure it meets local or national standards and are able to be maintained.
2.13. Volunteers should carry appropriate insurance and must comply with the legal requirements for the practice of dentistry in the selected jurisdiction.
3. Background
3.1. Dental care is an important element of humanitarian aid.
3.2. Many Australian Dental Team Members and other committed personnel give their time freely to provide oral health services, strategic management, education, training, equipment and materials to advance the oral health of disadvantaged groups. Dental societies, service clubs and missionary organisations also provide support.
3.3. Volunteer programs may include supporting persons experiencing oral health problems as a result of domestic violence and financial hardship. Volunteer activities may also include delivering oral health education sessions, participating in public health events and promotional initiatives.
3.4. Over the years, there have been several ongoing programs in Australia and overseas sustained by Australian volunteers. Overseas programs tend to target areas where there is reduced access to dental professionals.
4. Definitions
4.1. DENTAL TEAM MEMBERS are those, other than dentists, who contribute to the provision of dental care and services. This includes both registered practitioners (such as oral health therapists, dental hygienists, dental prosthetists, and dental therapists) and non-registered personnel (such as dental assistants, dental technicians, and practice support staff).
4.2. DENTAL VOLUNTEER is a person who provides dental services and support without fee or material reward.
4.3. HUMANITARIAN AID is material or logistical assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to humanitarian crises including natural disaster and man
5. Last review
September 2025
6. Next review due
September 2030
