$11m is cause for smiles
THE remote towns of Einasleigh, Mt Surprise, Chillagoe and Croydon are among the Far North communities most in need for a new dental service which will be rolled out from next week.
Federal Assistant Health Minister Dr David Gillespie announced the $11 million initiative in Cairns on Saturday.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service will provide the services to 55 locations nationally.
RFDS of Australia chief executive Martin Laverty would not say which Far North communities would be among the recipients of the service.
But he said there were less than 23 dentists per 100,000 people in remote areas.
“This funding will enable the Flying Doctor to expand its dental outreach program to start tackling the disparity that exists between city and bush – and for that we are very, very thankful,” Mr Laverty said.
“The first services will roll out in western Queensland this week.”
Mr Laverty said the rate of children in remote Aboriginal communities with oral cavities were four times as high as those in the rest of the country.
The funding will also be welcomed by Country Women’s Association national president Dorothy Coombe who has said there was widespread need for dental services.
The $11 million is for two years until March 31, 2019.