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Background: As part of a larger study, the Crossroads‐II Dental sub‐study determined the patterns of, and barriers to, oral health care service utilization in a rural area of Victoria. Methods: In this cross‐sectional sub‐study predisposing, enabling, needs‐related, and oral health variables were considered in association with patterns of oral health care utilization. A logistic regression was performed to explain the use of oral health care services. Results: Overall, 574 adults participated, with 50.9% reporting having visited an oral health care service in the previous 12 months. Age, number of chronic health conditions and holding a health card; were associated with increased visit to a dentist (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00–1.03; OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01–1.16; OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.26–3.36, respectively). Perceived barriers to care and number of missing teeth decreased the odds of using services (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.36–0.58; OR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92–0.98, respectively). Conclusions: Results suggest that use of oral health care services is associated with a range of financial, educational, health and structural barriers. Increasing the use of oral health care services in rural populations requires additional efforts beyond the reduction of financial barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Australia people with a diagnosed chronic condition can be managed on unique funded care plans that allow the recruitment of a multidisciplinary team to assist in setting treatment goals and adequate follow up. In contrast to the World Health Organisation, the North American and European Medical Associations, the Australian Medical Association does not recognise obesity as a chronic condition, therefore excluding a diagnosis of obesity from qualifying for a structured and funded treatment plan. BODY: The Australian guidelines for management of Obesity in adults in Primary Care are structured around a five step process -the '5As': Ask & Assess, Advise, Assist and Arrange'. This article aims to identify the key challenges and successes associated with the '5As' approach, to better understand the reasons for the gap between the high Australian prevalence of overweight and obesity and an actual diagnosis and treatment plan for managing obesity. It argues that until the Australian health system follows the international lead and defines obesity as a chronic condition, the capacity for Australian doctors to diagnose and initiate structured treatment plans will remain limited and ineffective.Conclusion: Australian General Practitioners are limited in their ability manage obesity, as the current treatment guidelines only recognise obesity as a risk factor rather than a chronic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]