A mobile dental operation that has treated nearly 3,000 patients and provided over 23,000 dental services in the last two years is expanding to cover more of Tasmania’s east coast.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will now offer oral health services to people between St Helens and Nubeena, in addition to their current fixed clinic in Swansea and mobile services on the west coast.
Health Minister Guy Barnett says the service will ensure rural and regional communities have access to essential healthcare.
“It’s a really important service on the east coast,” Health Minister Guy Barnett said.
“The RFDS has recently acquired a second dental truck and as a result of the new agreement they will now be able to operate an expanded dental service for concession card holders and children.”
RFDS chief executive Nicole Henty said the organisation is grateful for the funding and expects patient numbers to “significantly double” as a result.
“We’re pleased that in the election the Government committed to not only continuing to fund this service for the next four years, but also to provide additional funding to enable us to expand our offering,” she said.
“In partnership with the Tasmanian Government we are also planning on establishing new services in Central Tasmania and the Huon Valley.”
The expanded service is now operational.
