Dental Health Week yarn with Dental Assistant Angela

This Dental Health Week we sat down with proud Wakka Wakka and Gubbi Gubbi Dental Assistant Angela to talk about dental health and taking care of your smile.

Can you tell us a little more about yourself?

I was born in Brisbane and spent my childhood growing up in Ipswich. My mother grew up in Inala with her 10 siblings and my grandparents grew up in Cherbourg.

How long have you been at ATSICHS Brisbane?

I’ve been working for ATSICHS for 3 years now.

What prompted you to work here?

It was really important to me to work with mob in the community, creating better health outcomes for our people. Before I started here at ATSICHS I didn’t have a lot of knowledge of the dental industry or community health. Starting here really ignited my passion for it. Being able to achieve great outcomes for mob is a real motivating force.

Can you tell us more about your role?

One of my favourite things about my role is that it changes everyday. There are definitely no two days the same. One day I can be based at our Logan or Gabba clinics or at the Murri School van assisting chairside and the next helping out on reception, out the back ensuring sterilization is processed adequately or attending community oral health events and programs.

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

The most rewarding part of my role is hearing and seeing all the positive lifestyle changes our patients make after their appointments. It’s a real joy to see the impact you’re having on someone’s life for the better and it’s something I get to experience daily.

What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?

I’m currently working on a project with other Indigenous dental health practitioners to create oral health resources that are appealing for our mob. We’re working with the Australian Dental Association to create posters targeting specific age and health groups within our mob to educate community about oral health and also give tips to prevent dental decay.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Definitely being able to yarn with patients, hearing all their stories and experiences. It’s one of the main reasons I love my job.

Anything you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love to spend time with the people I love the most – my family, my friends and my pets. I’m pretty social so I am always with family or friends.

What is your number one tip for maintaining dental health?

Don’t rush while you brush! It’s only two minutes of your day so it’s important to take your time. It’s crucial we look after our teeth as the general health of our mouth contributes so much to our physical and mental wellbeing.