Graphic: RFDS Dental truck
For Renae, her role with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) isn’t just about dentistry – it is also about adventure.
Renae delivers dental services to rural communities in Queensland, working out of the purpose-built RFDS mobile dental unit. The service visits communities for one to two weeks at a time.
“I was itching to get back into ‘rural’ health care again and I was ready for a new challenge,” Renae shares about her decision to join the RFDS dental team.
“Visiting new communities, meeting great people, and hearing their amazing stories makes it a real ‘feel good’ job.”
The patients and situations our dentists encounter on the road can prove to be challenging as there isn’t specialist backup next door.
“Many of our patients haven’t had access to dental care for a long time and put up with problems that those of us in urban areas wouldn’t tolerate,” she said.
“I had a patient last year who hadn’t been to the dentist in over 35 years! And believe it or not, he only needed to have his teeth cleaned which was amazing and very lucky!”
Renae emphasises the importance of oral care with a timeless piece of advice.
"Floss, floss, floss! It is important to ensure you have a good daily oral health routine,” she said.
“It is truly an honour to be part of such an amazing service and my role as a dentist with the RFDS is by far the most rewarding job I have ever had.”
