Empowering Dentists for Rural Australia: A People-Centric Approach!
Charles Sturt University has just taken a giant leap forward in dental education! Their recent upgrade of dental units at one of their clinics is not just a boost for student training; it’s a game changer for dental care in the local community as well. The decision to partner with Planmeca stemmed from previous experiences and their outstanding service. Early feedback from staff, students, and patients about the new units is nothing short of ecstatic!
Just a picturesque three-and-a-half-hour drive west of Sydney, you’ll find the delightful town of Orange nestled beyond the Blue Mountains. Travel a bit further south toward Melbourne, and you’ll arrive at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales’ largest inland city. Both towns are booming, attracting new residents and creating a surge in demand for quality dental care services.
To meet this rising need, the Dental and Oral Health Clinics run by the School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences at Charles Sturt University are ready to serve. These clinics not only provide essential dental services to the local communities but also offer invaluable hands-on training for aspiring dentists.
Charles Sturt doesn’t stop at just Orange and Wagga Wagga; their network extends to Albury, Bathurst, and Dubbo, boasting five clinics that serve around 30,000 patients each year. Each clinic doubles as a premier training ground for dentistry students, utilizing Planmeca solutions for clinical work and simulation training, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education.
Transforming Experiences with New Dental Units
All five clinics benefit from the expert oversight of Jake Ball, the Clinical Director of Dental and Oral Health Clinics at Charles Sturt. He collaborates closely with Jenny Bevear, the Acting Operations Coordinator, who has been a cornerstone of the clinics since their inception in 2009. Under her management, the clinics have thrived, and she actively gathers feedback to continually improve the facilities.
Jake and Jenny couldn’t be more thrilled about the new Planmeca dental units that debuted at the Dental and Oral Health Clinic in Orange at the end of 2023. They replaced outdated units with 78 sleek Planmeca Compact™ i Classic dental units and Planmeca Solanna® operating lights, which were complemented by Planmeca Lumo™ dental stools.
According to Jake Ball, this upgraded learning space has become a point of pride for the entire team and a key selling point for luring in prospective dental students. “We have a state-of-the-art facility that we showcase to potential applicants. The investment Charles Sturt has made in our technology is significant. I’ve worked in various dental settings, and I can confidently say that the right dental units can transform the experience. We are fortunate to have these chairs; their design and functionality are top-notch, making them ideal for student training,” Jake enthuses.
“The Planmeca Compact i Classic units aren’t just functional; they’re visually appealing, too,” Jenny adds. “Everyone seems delighted with them.”
“The new chairs provide exceptional comfort for both dental professionals and patients alike, and we’ve received great feedback on how pleasant they are,” Jake reveals.
Experiential Learning Through Simulation
The Charles Sturt School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences offers two exciting pathways into the dental profession. The three-year undergraduate Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene) program based in Wagga Wagga leads to registration as an oral health therapist, while the Bachelor of Dental Science is a five-year journey offered at the Orange campus.
Moreover, the university provides a two-year postgraduate program in collaboration with the Australian Dental Association, culminating in a Graduate Diploma of Dental Implantology. Theoretical coursework is paired with hands-on practical training in private practices.
The Bachelor of Dental Science program emphasizes experiential learning, giving students ample clinical exposure throughout their five-year education.
“Students begin developing practical skills in a simulation clinic right from the start, which is a defining feature of our program,” Jake explains.
Since 2009, Charles Sturt University has partnered with Planmeca, having installed their first simulation and dental units at the Dental and Oral Health Clinics. Today, they proudly operate 80 Planmeca Compact™ i bench simulation units across Orange and Wagga Wagga. Remarkably, these units have withstood the test of time and remain in pristine condition.
“Our simulation units are meticulously maintained and still look brand new,” Jenny commends.
Training Compassionate Practitioners
In their second year, students begin practicing basic dental examinations on one another, gradually transitioning to real patients by the end of the second year and continuing clinical training until graduation.
“Our goal extends beyond teaching technical skills; we aim to cultivate person-centered practitioners who prioritize cultural safety in their practice. Preparing them to serve rural and regional communities is a top priority for us. We place immense value on interpersonal skills, a cornerstone of excellence in dental practice,” Jake elaborates.
To ensure personalized instruction, the dentistry program maintains small class sizes. Each year, about 1,000 applicants vie for spots in the Bachelor of Dental Science program. Candidates must meet academic criteria and pass a dental school exam assessing their aptitude, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
However, Charles Sturt also offers alternative pathways for students from rural backgrounds or those pursuing other degrees. Typically, 100 applicants are interviewed, with 40 to 50 gaining acceptance.
“We’re committed to providing accessible education regardless of one’s background. We have distinct pathways for rural and Indigenous students, alongside robust support services for financial assistance, inclusion, and accessibility. Our dedicated team ensures that students with disabilities receive tailored educational experiences to foster full participation,” Jake emphasizes.
Empowering Rural Communities
Charles Sturt University and its dentistry program epitomize insightful, inclusive, and impactful education. The university collaborates closely with the Centre for Rural Dentistry and Oral Health, which manages the five Dental and Oral Health Clinics, ensuring a strong focus on rural health care.
Charles Sturt is dedicated to enhancing opportunities and health outcomes for rural and regional Australians. By partnering with local stakeholders, the university delivers top-notch oral health services while cultivating a sustainable healthcare workforce for the future.
“One of our core priorities is ensuring our graduates deliver patient-centered care that’s culturally safe and aligns with evidence-based practice,” Jake asserts.
The program actively recruits students from rural backgrounds, as they are more likely to stay in their communities and provide essential oral care services post-graduation. The curriculum also empowers students to positively impact their local health landscapes.
Community engagement is a critical aspect of clinical training, linking service delivery to the needs of rural regions. The five Charles Sturt clinics warmly welcome local patients.
“We have exciting initiatives beyond our campuses, like sending students to a clinic in Brewarrina, an Aboriginal community in northern NSW. This clinic offers vital services and a rich clinical experience for our students. We also provide oral health screenings at nursing homes using portable dental units,” Jake shares.
Students also gain exposure by training in metropolitan hospitals to connect with a diverse range of communities.
Choosing Planmeca for Unmatched Support
A key reason for selecting Planmeca units was their trusted local distribution partner in Australia, Henry Schein Halas. From project delivery to after-sales support, local partners ensure clients maximize their investments.
“The units and the service from Planmeca have been outstanding. The reliability of these units is crucial to our operations. We couldn’t be happier with the technology,” Jake affirms.
“The exceptional service from the Henry Schein Halas team was a significant factor in our decision. It’s not just about purchasing chairs; it’s about having reliable support when needed. The technical assistance we received was phenomenal,” Jenny adds.
In a delightful show of community spirit, some of the previous units were recycled through local charity projects. For instance, decommissioned units from the Walker clinic found new life at a local men’s shed association, where members repurposed the materials for creative projects. Once again, Charles Sturt University has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the wellbeing of local communities.
“The men’s shed members utilized those materials for their arts and crafts initiatives. It’s wonderful to see such community bonding through these projects, and we were thrilled to contribute,” Jake expresses.
Jake Ball, Clinical Director of Dental and Oral Health Clinics, and Jenny Bevear, Acting Operations Coordinator, Charles Sturt University
Text: Collaborator
Images: Courtesy of Charles Sturt University
