Other services operating during the study period
During the study period, community health centers provided routine medical services in both intervention and control communities. In most communities, the centers were staffed by a nurse and ⁄ or Aboriginal Health Worker. Periodic visits were made by a general practitioner medical doctor, usually once per week. In remote communities, these primary health care workers are encouraged to follow a documented, standard protocol that outlines steps for managing acute dental infections, primarily using antibiotics and pain control medication. Additionally, the Children’s Dental Service of the NT Department of Health and Families provided comprehensive, general dental treatment for school-aged children, including
examinations, preventive care, fillings and tooth extraction. At the time of this study, funding of this service was limited and access in remote communities was highly variable.