Occupational therapists may be asked by a participant, family or support team to discuss practical options for a daily oral-care routine. This guide provides factual Arco Brush information to support that conversation. It is not a prescription, clinical recommendation, funding determination or substitute for the therapist’s assessment and professional judgement.
Begin with function, routine and choice
For any oral-care product, consider the person’s functional goals and everyday context. Relevant discussion points may include hand function, coordination, sequencing, fatigue, sensory preferences, oral tolerance, current strategies, the support available and the person’s own goals and choices.
For people receiving aged care, consumer dignity, informed choice and independence are key principles in the Aged Care Quality Standards. These principles are also useful when a family or service team is helping someone consider a new routine: the person should be given understandable information and supported to make their own decisions wherever possible.[1]
Where Arco Brush may be worth reviewing
Arco Brush is a full-mouth sonic toothbrush with a flexible mouthpiece and guided brushing cycle. It may be worth reviewing as one product option when an ordinary brushing routine is hard to complete consistently because of dexterity, coordination, fatigue, sensory preferences or the need for prompting or carer support.
The individual’s preferences and safety matter. Consider whether the person is comfortable with a mouthpiece-style brush and vibration, whether they can use it as directed, who will manage cleaning and charging, and whether a dentist or other professional should be consulted before use.
NDIS: keep the funding discussion individual
The NDIA describes assistive technology as equipment or devices that help a person complete tasks affected by disability. Its low-cost category is generally below $1,500, but the NDIA states that an item still needs to relate directly to the person’s disability, support their goals, meet funding rules, be safe and have appropriate evidence where required.[2]
At the current price of A$434.50, the Arco Brush Starter Kit is below the NDIA’s published low-cost assistive-technology threshold. This does not mean it is automatically funded, approved, reimbursable or appropriate for a particular participant. The NDIA also notes that a professional recommendation does not guarantee funding.[3]
A neutral discussion checklist
| Topic | Information to clarify |
|---|---|
| Person’s goal | What daily-routine outcome is the person seeking? |
| Current routine | What works now, and where does the routine become difficult? |
| Product fit | Has the person reviewed the mouthpiece-style format, vibration and supplied instructions? |
| Support | Who will assist with setup, cleaning, charging and routine prompting, if needed? |
| Dental boundaries | Is dental advice needed because of pain, swelling, bleeding or another oral-health concern? |
| Funding pathway | If the participant is considering NDIS funding, have they checked with the relevant decision maker and considered the evidence required for their individual circumstances? |
Arco information for a participant or family
- Review the Arco Brush Starter Kit for product details and current price.
- Use NDIS Ordering, Quotes & Invoices for plan-managed and self-managed documentation pathways.
- Use Care & Support for practical post-purchase information, including the six-month mouthpiece replacement guidance.
- Contact hello@arcobrush.com.au for factual product, quote or invoice support.