Abstract
The impact of colonisation, assimilation policies, racism and victim blaming approaches have created inequities and health inequality for Indigenous peoples worldwide, which is reflected in their oral health status. Poor oral health has bi-directional relationships with many other chronic diseases (such as diabetes, heart disease, nutritional deficiencies and mental illness, to name a few) and a significant impact on the ability to eat, sleep, socialise and gain employment; for many Indigenous peoples worldwide, this effect leads to shorter lives and poorer health and poorer quality of life. Indigenous peoples in Australia and New Zealand often experience higher mortality rates and carry the greatest burden of disease in both general and oral health. Oral health is a clear social determinant of health and contributor to equity.