A Melbourne-based husband and wife dental team have begun providing an increased level of oral health services to Tennant Creek residents. They are working locally this week, then returning in early March to operate on a two weeks on-two weeks off timetable that will include a week in Borroloola about every three months.
The arrangements are a result of the Department of Health and Families' flexible contract and recruitment policies developed to meet clinical skill shortages in regional and remote locations.
"The need to establish more regular dental services in Tennant Creek presented a significant challenge," explained Ms Jenny Cleary, Executive Director of DHF Health Services.
"This dedicated two-person team comes with both the required professional skills as well as considerable remote experience which will hold them in good stead in the local community. They will spend 1 to 2 weeks in Tennant Creek every monthfor the next six months."
Ms Cleary said the initial focus of the new team's work will be emergency cases, after which they will undertake follow up and routine dental services.
Appointments can be made by contacting the Schmidt Street Dental Clinic on 8962 2438.
Media contact: Chelsea Rogers, DHF Central Australian Media Liaison Officer,8951 5123 or 0401 114 113
Release date: 4 February 2009
