THE MISSION

To create an inclusive society, where every person can eat, speak, and smile freely.

THE REASON: INCLUSION

"When you look at someone, what's one of the first things you notice?

Their smile.

Your smile is your way of connecting with people, feeling like you belong, being included.

I learnt from my father's struggle with oral health that your mouth is your gateway to your body and your overall health.

And your smile is your gateway to being included in society.

So I've made it my mission to create an inclusive society, where every person can eat, speak, and smile. To create a world where a smile is no longer a barrier to feeling accepted, finding a job and living to their full potential.

The reason why equal access to oral healthcare is needed, is because it's key for inclusion."

-Dr Trudy Lin, Australia Day Council Tour of Honour, 2022

LEARN MORE

The scale of the issue

WHY THIS MATTERS: Disability affects all of us.

"We are all sisters, brothers, children, and grandchildren of people who experience disability. And while it's not something we may like to think about, we will all join in that experience eventually, through accident, illness, injury, or ageing."

-Dr Trudy Lin, International Women's Day 2022

THE PROBLEM: oral health affects quality of life, and life itself.

"Many people living with a disability, can't access oral healthcare. This denies them the basic right to live a full life, but also to live the full length of their life.

Australians with an intellectual disability are dying 20 years younger than the general population. A leading cause of their premature death is a lung disease from inhaling dental plaque. I don't want Australians dying from something that's so preventable.

So help me spread the word: brushing teeth saves lives!"

-Dr Trudy Lin, World Oral Health Day 2022