The program will provide much needed services to patients in rural and remote areas and help new graduates to gain invaluable hands on experience in the public dental sector. The Commonwealth Government is investing $88.3 million into the program which, by 2016, will be putting an extra 100 dental graduates a year into the field.
“More graduates, both dentists and oral health therapists, will mean better access to treatment for patients and vitally important oral health promotion and prevention for the many Australians who live in areas that need services most,” said Minister Plibersek.
The Minister met with three graduates during her visit, Deluni Gunawardana, who will be placed at RDHM and Radika Kelapatha and Simone Law who will be placed at Barwon Health.
DHSV supports the program as it will provide graduates with an opportunity to gain confidence and experience through a unique system of mentoring and will mean more public dental patients can get the care that they need.
“We are delighted to be involved in this national program because it highlights what Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) is so passionate about: encouraging oral health workers to a career in public dentistry,” said DHSV CEO, Dr Deborah Cole.
DHSV is excited to be part of such a significant program and wishes the graduates well in the next year of their training.
Dental Graduates Simone Law, Radika Kelapatha and Deluni Gunawardana with Federal Health Minister Honourable Tanya Plibersek
L-R: DHSV CEO Deborah Cole, Minister Plibersek, Prof Mike Morgan