News

Rural dental services boosted by University program

Media Release, Tuesday 26 September 2006

A shortage of dentists and dental services in rural areas is being addressed by a new University of Melbourne dental training program, the first of its kind in Victoria.

Based at Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton, final year dental students from the University’s Bachelor of Dental Science and Bachelor of Oral Health are providing crucial dental services to the Goulburn Valley community, including a special Indigenous dental service in Rumbalara.

“There are literally not enough young dentists available to replace the number of rural based dentists who want to retire,” says Program Coordinator Menaka Abuzar, of the School of Dental Science.

Professor Michael Morgan, Deputy Head of the University’s School of Dental Science, says the unique program developed by the School of Dental Science with support from the Department of Human Services and Goulburn Valley Health is designed to provide final year dental students with an overall training and education in a rural context.

“Working hand in hand with the School of Rural Health and Goulburn Valley Health, this program makes a significant impact in the local community in improving dental services as well as has the potential to increase the workforce in rural and remote areas.”

The University’s 40 week training program is run in collaboration with Goulburn Valley Health, whose dental facilities have been recently renovated to improve services to rural communities.

Goulburn Valley Health will open its new facilities this week at a special event hosted by the Victorian Minister for Ageing and Indigenous Affairs, Gavin Jennings and Federal Member for Murray, Dr Sharman Stone.

"The Goulburn Valley community is not only getting access to the best facilities, but also the best trained dentists in Victoria,” says Goulburn Valley Health CEO Greg Pullen.

Head of School of Rural Health, Professor Dawn DeWitt, says being in Shepparton allows the dental students to work and live alongside other allied health students.

“They develop a multiprofessional attitude, mixing with medical, pharmacology and physiotherapy students from the School of Rural Health,” she says.

As of 2007 the students will also be involved in health promotion of dental care in the region.

“This initiative reflects the commitment of the University of Melbourne’s School of Rural Health and School of Dental Science to contribute back into the local community. A strong partnership with Goulburn Valley Health is helping to make this a reality,” said Professor DeWitt.