I am Alison Hammond, a final year Oral Health Therapy student and proud Gunaikurnai woman. I was lucky enough to grow up in the East Gippsland region in regional Victoria, and live most of my life there, including completing my high school education and working in the area for many years. After over 3 years working as a dental assistant, I decided I was ready to upskill in the dental field and become an Oral Health Therapist. This involved quitting my job and leaving my family to make the move to Bendigo to attend La Trobe University.

My experience as a Dental Assistant helped me to realise how passionate I am about dentistry and assisting patients to have confidence in their smiles, and how much oral health can affect the whole body. I am also passionate about making dental treatments more accessible to lower socioeconomic groups and find great satisfaction in helping those who may not be able to access oral healthcare. I believe a career in the oral healthcare system will be extremely rewarding and ever-changing.

As a qualified oral health therapist, I am committed to improving Indigenous health by addressing dental outcomes and the systemic effects of dental infections. Oral health is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of overall health, and improving access to quality care and education can significantly impact the well-being of Indigenous communities. My goal is to reduce the disparity in dental health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations while also emphasizing the implications of oral health on systemic conditions.

A goal of mine as an oral health therapist is to reduce dental-related anxiety, which often prevents individuals from seeking necessary care. For many Indigenous people, mistrust of the healthcare system and past negative experiences contribute to reluctance in accessing dental services. As a practitioner, I aim to create an environment of trust and understanding by offering a compassionate, culturally sensitive approach. By building rapport and fostering a comfortable atmosphere, I hope to reduce anxiety and encourage regular dental visits, essential for maintaining long-term oral health.

I am passionate about taking a holistic approach to oral health. Poor oral health is linked to various chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues. By educating patients about the impact of oral health on overall health, I aim to empower individuals to take control of their well-being. Teaching the importance of good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups not only improves oral health but also helps reduce the burden of these chronic conditions in Indigenous communities.