Far West LHD welcomes first cohort of dental students for 2024

FWLHD Oral Health Manager Karen Kennedy said the placement program allows for students to learn valuable skills in a public dental setting, while at the same time experiencing working and living in a remote location like the Far West

“The District is pleased to welcome four dental students in this first cohort for 2024, who started their eight-week placements at the Community Health Centre’s Public Dental Clinic on 4 April,” Ms Kennedy said.

“This year, for the first time, final year dental students on placements with us will treat patients at the Community Health Centre’s Public Dental Clinic under the supervision of the Clinical Lead Dentist and a dentist from the University of Sydney.”

“The dental student program presents a great opportunity for students to work and live in our unique and vibrant community while developing their skills. We hope they love their time with us and consider staying on once their placements conclude,” Ms Kennedy said.

The FWLHD Oral Health Dental Team and Students.

Clinical Lead Dentist Dr Suruchi Khanna said she is excited to work with the students in this new initiative and is confident the experience will grow their dentistry skills.

“This is a great opportunity for the students and the health service alike, with staff working to support the students to make it a valuable and enjoyable experience for them and the patients,” Dr Khanna said.

“The Community Health Centre’s Public Dental Clinic is very busy and the small team are an important part of making this program successful.”

The students are supervised by Dr Claire Shepherd, a dentist from the University of Sydney who previously lived in the Far West region.

The dental student program is a collaboration between FWLHD, University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) and the University of Sydney, School of Dentistry with support from the NSW Health Centre for Oral Health Strategy.