More than 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rugby league players received free, custom-fitted mouthguards at this year’s NSW Koori Knockout in Tamworth, thanks to a Sydney Dental School initiative focused on injury prevention, education and community engagement. 

The NSW Koori Knockout, held from 3-6 October this year, is an annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rugby league tournament that doubles as a cultural celebration, bringing together families and communities from across Australia.  

From a pop-up tent set up beside the playing fields, a team of 40 student volunteers worked across the four-day weekend to take impressions, mould custom mouthguards and fit them for players of all ages.

“We’re here to prevent injuries, support young players and make sure everyone has access to quality protection,” said Miss Erin Taylor, lecturer at Sydney Dental School who led the initiative, which was supported by the NSW Ministry of Health’s Centre - Oral Health Strategy, Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service, as well as industry partners Henry Schein and Colgate.

For returning volunteer Tori James, a second year Doctor of Dental Medicine student, the experience offered a chance to make a real difference.

“We learn so much about the gaps in Indigenous health, and that extends to oral health,” she said. “Living in Sydney, you can talk about wanting to help, but this was an opportunity to actually do something tangible, to see real change happening in the community. I volunteered so I could use my privilege for good and be part of something that matters.”

The program prioritised young players and is backed by Miss Taylor’s research, which investigates whether custom mouthguards offer stronger protection against head trauma than standard ‘boil and bite’ options, and what stops young players from wearing them. 

“Despite being proven to prevent serious head injuries, mouthguards aren’t compulsory at the Knockout,” said Miss Taylor. “We want to understand not just the injuries, but the barriers to wearing them and how to change that.” 

The team doubled the number of mouthguards made compared to last year, with lines throughout the weekend. “The community feedback was overwhelmingly positive. People came to our tent just to thank us,” said Miss Taylor.

“It’s great to see such strong engagement with an initiative that’s teaching young players how to stay safe in contact sport.”

Tori said the cultural training in the leadup to the Knockout has been invaluable. “We had a cultural debrief where we talked openly about expectations and cultural differences – what’s okay to say, what’s not okay to say. Erin made sure we understood the importance of culturally safe care.”

She also praised Taylor’s leadership and commitment. “Erin is so passionate, it’s unreal. She’s an Indigenous woman who just wants to do this for mob. She inspires us all to give our best and really connect with community.”

Tori’s favourite part is working with the kids. “They’re so excited to get their mouthguard, and they really appreciate what we do. When you hand them the mouthguard and they try it on and give you the thumbs up, it’s just the best feeling.

“I love knowing we’re protecting their teeth and helping them stay safe but also seeing how stoked they are makes it even better.”