If follow-up treatment is required, patients attend the Dental clinic in Sebastopol. The Sebastopol clinic also provides free dental treatment to all children aged under 13 years.

Jodie Robinson, Clinical Coordinator of Grampians Health Dental Clinic explains the importance of the mobile dental clinics within the broader dental services provided by Grampians Health.

“Our mobile dental clinics are a very important part of our provision of dental care. They allow us to educate and treat both the youngest and the most vulnerable members of our community.” Ms Robinson said. “However, much of our current equipment is at the end of its life, and is costly and difficult to repair. As we approach the end of the financial year, we are asking our community to make a tax-deductible donation to help purchase two portable x-ray machines, a portable suction machine, two portable dental chairs and a mobile dental trolley.”

“We know that many people are experiencing financial challenges at the moment, but please know, that every donation makes a difference. We have received a very generous kick-starter donation of $10,000 from a group of anonymous donors to help us, but we need the community’s support. Our mobile dental service helps many members of our community who are experiencing significant financial stress.”

Courtney Liversage, Dental Assistant and Oral Health Educator at Grampians Health Dental runs education and treatment programs through the mobile dental clinics. She speaks to children and their educators about the importance of improving and maintaining their oral health. One of the flow-on effects of her education programs, is that the children may then go home and talk to their parents, guardians or siblings about looking after teeth. This can kick start better routines about optimal oral health care.

“Many parents with poor dental health believe it runs in the family and that it’s normal. In many cases, social determinants (including cost, access, culture and generational beliefs) lead to a lack of knowledge about the importance of positive daily oral health behaviours, and how important oral health is to maintaining good overall wellbeing. Prevention is always better than a cure, and we're here to help educate and prevent poor dental health in the future.” Ms. Liversage said.

“We want to normalise a visit to the dentist. The children can see us dressed up, and they can chat to the dentists about what they are going to experience. They see their peers go one after each other in the chair, and with photos and smiles and stickers, we make it a positive, happy experience for them. We chat with them about their current home routines to work out ways we can improve their oral health – it’s not just telling them to brush and floss their teeth. Working as a team with kids goes a long way in helping them understand that looking after their teeth important and how to do this. These kids then become role model for their siblings, parents, carers and friends. We know that the strongest predictor of adult dental health is childhood dental health.”

As a working parent, Courtney also appreciates the service for her children.

“A dental session through kinder is a fantastic way for my child to have access to a dental professional. As the session occurs within their learning environment, they feel safe and are ready to learn and experience new opportunities. It is a positive rewarding experience for them. It’s great for me as well, as I don’t have to worry about the cost, time away from work or trying to access a service. The need for additional dental treatment is well communicated and future treatment is easily be arranged.”

To make a donation to help keep Grampians Health Dental Clinic on the road, please visit https://ghb-tax-appeal-2023.raisely.com/