For Lightning Ridge couple Emma-Lee and Tiarnie, the Royal Flying Doctor Service has given them a reason to smile again. Dental Health Week is August 4-10, 2025, a chance to recognise the importance of everyone having access to oral healthcare.
The services offered by the RFDS dental team across Western and Far West NSW allow many to access oral health care when they would often have to travel vast distances. But for Tiarnie it was the personal level of care, as well as access, that made all the difference.
“Tiarnie had bad experiences with her teeth growing up and with previous dentists. She had nerve damage because of those experiences and she was petrified of going to a dentist. When we got together about three years ago, I worked really hard to encourage her because I used to be a dental assistant,” Emma-Lee said.
“I’d already been seeing the RFDS for my check-ups and fillings for about seven years so I was telling her that she would be safe and looked after.
“What really stood out to us when she started going was how caring and considerate and patient the team were with her. They let me in the room and to hold her. They talked her through it, and they were very patient. They stopped when she needed them to, they respected her, and they never pushed her too far. It was just an amazing experience.”
Tiarnie and Emma-Lee were especially grateful when the Dental Team were able to do a root canal surgery for Tiarnie.
“They went above and beyond. It wasn’t something they would normally be able to do at Lightning Ridge but they were able to find a way to make it possible. For her that was so important because she already had that relationship with the dentist and that safety net," Emma-Lee said.
“If the RFDS weren’t coming, I think Tiarnie’s teeth would have rotted. It has been such an incredible experience to the point when now Tiarnie is getting more confident to smile.”
For many people in rural and remote communities, accessing a dentist isn’t as simple as booking an appointment in larger towns and cities. That’s where the RFDS Dental Team, led by Dr Lyn Mayne steps in.
“Everybody deserves a healthy smile which is why we are committed to providing care in the most isolated communities, where access to oral health specialists is very limited,” Dr Mayne said.
“Demand for our services are high and our team of dentists, oral health therapists and dental assistants work extremely hard to see as many patients as they can, right across Western and Far West NSW.”
In 2023-24 the RFDSSE Dental Team delivered 397 clinics, providing 17,230 procedures on 2,494 patients across more than 30 locations, covering everything from basic dental care, right through to emergency surgeries and pain management. This was delivered through clinics at permanent facilities like in Lightning Ridge, or from the RFDS dental van, a full dental surgery on wheels.
In addition, the team also supports children and families by providing education to remote schools about positive oral health habits such as correct ways to brush and eating healthier.
“By providing this education from a young age, we hope to set young children up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene,” Dr Mayne said.
“Regular check-ups are important and if you think you have a problem, go and see your dentist sooner, rather than later. The earlier an issue is diagnosed, the easier it will be to fix,” Dr Mayne said.
To book an appointment with the RFDS Dental clinic when it is in your community, call 0429 411 624.
