Free oral health checks at Mingara throughout August
The University of Newcastle’s free community mobile oral health service is gearing up for its next Central Coast clinic.
The service will be offered from its mobile van every Wednesday from 1 – 21 August in the Legends Carpark (near Minigolf) of the Mingara Recreation Club in Tumbi Umbi.
Launched earlier this year, the service is available to seniors and current Health Care Card holders.
Oral Health students from the University’s Central Coast campus will offer check-ups, teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments under the supervision of a certified dentist.
The University of Newcastle’s Associate Professor of Oral Health, Jane Taylor, said the service offered two important benefits to students and the local community.
“As well as providing free oral health care, this initiative also gives students real life work experience that counts toward their studies, and that they can take into their professional lives.
“The response so far has been overwhelming. More than 100 people have used the free service and we hope many more will visit during the August clinics.”
University of Newcastle Foundation CEO, Louise O’Connell, said without corporate and community support, the service would not be possible.
“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s help to start this valuable service. We hope to receive further support for ongoing costs and maintenance to sustain it into the future.”
Medfin, a provider of finance for healthcare professionals, has donated the van and the trailer. Together with NAB health it also covered many costs to repair and refit the van.
Community groups also lent a hand to prepare the van, with the Bateau Bay Mens’ Shed painting its inside and de-rusting the trailer as part of the fit out process. The Rotary Club of North Gosford funded and constructed steps for the van, and help set it up each time it operates.
Wyong Shire Council stores and transports the van. Other supporters include William Green Dental Supplies, which donated a dental chair and Kodak Xray machine. Karagi Court supplied a sterilising unit; Gastrohealth funded the van’s exterior; Coast Shelter, the Co-Op Bookshop and the Rotary and Lions Clubs at The Entrance gave financial support; and Dentsply and Colgate gave dental cleaning equipment and consumables.
Oral health appointments are essential and can be made by phoning 02 4349 4416.
Anyone interested in making a donation to support the continuation of this project can contact the University of Newcastle Foundation on (02) 4921 7453 or www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation
Media contact: Libbie Forden / University Foundation on 02 4921 7453 or 0404 917 303.
About the University of Newcastle Foundation: The Foundation is the platform for philanthropic support for the University of Newcastle. Donations help fund student scholarships, academic positions and research.