In early 2022, Palmerston led a partnership with St Pat's Community Support Centre (St Pat’s) to establish and pilot a free comprehensive Oral Health Program for clients participating at the residential AOD treatment at Palmerston Farm.

For people in AOD recovery, chronic dental issues are widespread, and often caused or exacerbated by AOD use. Missing teeth or poor oral health not only impacts what people can eat but may also have a ripple effect on their confidence, self-worth, interactions with other people and motivation to change. However, cost and stigma are among barriers to accessing oral health care. Poor oral health is also linked to chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and oral cancers.

As a pilot program and the first of its kind in Australia and internationally, an evaluation was embedded from the outset, undertaken by the Home2Health team. The research findings of full two year since inception of this program can be found in the report downloadable on this page.