Mobile Clinic Addresses Gaps in Paediatric Dental Care in Victoria

AUSTRALIA: A mobile dental clinic operated by Goldfields Family Dental (GFD) is stepping in to address deficiencies in paediatric dental services left by the State Government in the Goldfields region. Since its launch in February, the GFD mobile clinic has been servicing Kambalda, East Kalgoorlie, and O’Connor primary schools, with plans to extend its services to North Kalgoorlie Primary School in the upcoming week.

Addressing Critical Staffing Issues

The decision to establish the mobile paediatric dental service came as a response to a noticeable rise in children presenting with emergency dental issues at the GFD clinic on Maritana Street. Co-owner Ms. Naylor highlighted the impact of staffing shortages on the State Government’s school dental service, stating, “It’s hard because everyone’s short-staffed.” She emphasized the urgent need for regular check-ups, expressing concern that without them, more emergency treatments would be required.

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Impact and Reception of the Mobile Service

Since its inception, the mobile service has made significant strides in addressing dental needs within the community. Over 35 working days, the clinic has completed 164 fissure seals, 155 examinations, 127 cleans, 63 hall crowns, and 20 extractions across the three primary schools. School leaders and parents have warmly welcomed the initiative, citing its convenience and accessibility. Ms. Naylor noted the positive response from parents, some of whom have specifically requested their children be seen on the mobile unit to avoid trips to the Maritana Street clinic.

Funding and Government Support

The mobile dental service operates free of charge for host schools, with eligible children receiving treatment under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Despite reaching out to the State Government for assistance, Ms. Naylor stated that their request for support was declined. She expressed a desire for acknowledgment and backing from the government, underscoring the service’s role in bridging existing gaps in dental care. In addition to the current schools served, several others, including Kambalda West District High School, Coolgardie Primary School, John Paul College, and Goldfields Baptist College, are set to benefit from the mobile clinic in the near future.

In conclusion, the mobile dental clinic provided by Goldfields Family Dental is proving to be a vital resource in addressing the shortfall in paediatric dental services in the Goldfields region. Despite challenges posed by staffing shortages and a lack of government support, the initiative has garnered widespread praise for its effectiveness in delivering essential dental care to schoolchildren.

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