PORT Macquarie is one of the big winners of a joint multi-million dollar program to expand community dental services.
Last week the Federal Government announced $15 million for Charles Sturt University to expand community oral health services and training at Taree, Port Macquarie and Kempsey.
Member for Lyne Rob Oakeshott said the funding would deliver 24 teaching dentistry chairs over the three locations.
“The announcement makes the Mid North Coast a centre for the training of dental and oral health students from Charles Sturt University,” he said.
“This is a massive move at so many levels.
“It continues our rapid expansion of higher education opportunities within our local communities, and shows we are serious about the education and economic benefits of providing local course offerings.”
Mr Oakeshott said the university would now be able provide an opportunity for Year 4 and 5 dentistry students to do their final clinical years on the Mid North Coast.
“It is the first step in the long-term goal of a full school of dentistry,” he said.
The indepenent MP said the commitment from both the Federal Government and Charles Sturt University would start to address some of the shocking oral health statistics in the region.
“We have shocking waiting lists, particularly for elective public procedures, and this announcement will now provide an opportunity for the Mid North Coast Local Health Network to work with Charles Sturt University in strategies to address broader population health issues concerning oral health,” he said.
“This makes for broader benefits than just education,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“I am also pleased that Charles Sturt University is now demonstrating its commitment to the entire region, by promoting the three sites of Taree, Port Macquarie, and Kempsey.”
