FAR West Local Health District is facilitating, through a Sydney-based partnership, a much-needed regular visit by a dentist to Broken Hill.
The partnership between FWLHD and the Sydney Local Health District has resulted in a dentist from the city working in the district’s Oral Health Service one fortnight per month.
This service is free, welcomes adults and children, and is part of the NSW public dental service, which provides free dental care to in-need regions.
Keen to work in a regional environment, new dentist Matthew Jones hails from free public clinics in the Newcastle and Sydney regions.
A spokesperson from FWLHD said these services are in addition to existing dental services already provided.
“The NSW healthcare system is highly networked and local health districts regularly work together to ensure patients can access appropriate care as close to home as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“Patients who wish to access the local public dental service must be a resident within the boundary of Far West Local Health District, be eligible for Medicare, and have a current Pension Concession Card, Health Care Card, Commonwealth or Seniors Health Card.
“All children under 18 years with a Medicare card, within the district are also eligible for public dental care.”
The FWLHD spokesperson also said that there are many incentives in place to attract health workers in rural areas.
“This includes the Dental Officer Rural Incentive Scheme and the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme,” the spokesperson said.
FWLHD urges anyone seeking a public dental appointment to call 1800 679 336 to be triaged.
