Adelaide dentists return home

The first group of Bachelor of Dental Surgery students from the University of Adelaide have a lot to smile about having successfully completed their 12 week placements in the Newcastle region north of Sydney.

The seven dental students spent three months in the Hunter New England and North Sydney Central Coast Area Health Services, working in community dental clinics alongside experienced dentists. They also attended the Awabakal Aboriginal Medical Services Dental Clinic and local hospital facilities.

Three of the dental students enjoyed their time in the region so much that they intend to return and practise dentistry in the area.

Peter Norton is going into private practice in Armidale; Geoff Harvey, originally from the Central Coast, intends to return following a four year stint as a dentist in the Royal Australian Army; and Jasminka Rujnic plans to remain on the Central Coast.

The arrangement is part of the partnership agreement signed between the University of Newcastle and the University of Adelaide in January this year, enabling dental students to spend part of their final year of studies in the region.

"Initial feedback from the students and our colleagues involved in the development and implementation of the program has been extremely positive," said Associate Professor Jane Taylor, the coordinator of the program.

"The students have gained valuable knowledge and experience in oral health care from the expertise available in our local health services. It is interesting that the students have commented on the levels of dental decay and gum disease, both of which are preventable in most people."

To address this, and as part of the partnership, the University of Newcastle has also developed a new Bachelor of Oral Health degree that will be offered for the first time from 2005 at the Ourimbah campus. The aim of the three year undergraduate program is to improve the local dental workforce.

The program is the first of its type to be offered in NSW and will prepare graduates for preventative oral health practice. The program has been well received by the dental profession who have clearly identified the need for improved access to oral health education as an integral element of general health care.

Professor John Marley, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health at the University of Newcastle said: "There is tremendous support for these initiatives to improve access to preventive oral health services throughout the area."