For Felicity, a trip to the dentist often triggered a traumatic memory of when she had all four wisdom teeth removed as a teenager, until she visited the RFDS Dental team in Glenden.
Anxious and hesitant to receive a check-up, Felicity warned the team that the sound of the dentist's drill or the smell of toothpaste was enough to make her feel queasy.
“One of the RFDS dental assistants convinced me to go, and I must admit, the experience was wonderful,” Felicity said.
“She held my hand the entire time because I was shaking, and the dentist talked me through everything that was going to happen. They were really nice and looked after me.”
Since 2013, the RFDS (Queensland Section) has partnered with QCoal Group, QCoal Foundation and the Australian Government to deliver essential oral health services to 27 regional, rural and remote communities across Queensland.
The team delivers a range of oral healthcare treatments from a purpose-built semi-trailer that operates as a fully-equipped dental surgery, and includes an OPG machine.
This service is delivering an effective, flexible, and cost-efficient solution to the lack of oral health services available in many parts of the state.
Glenden mother-of-two, Hannah, shared the same fear of the dentist before visiting the RFDS Dental team for urgent dental treatment.
“I had a really traumatic childhood experience with a dentist, and since then, I have been really afraid to go,” Hannah said.
“But when I saw the RFDS come into town, I thought to myself, ‘it’s now or never’.”
Hannah had been suffering from a severe mouth infection for almost five years, and thanks to the RFDS Dental Service, she was able to receive the oral health treatment she needed.
“For so long I felt self-conscious when I ate,” Hannah said.
“My tooth would just ache, and sometimes I couldn’t even shut my mouth. I just feel so much better now, and I can eat and talk comfortably again.”
Hannah said her two young children received multiple dental appointments and were so grateful that the service came to Glenden.
“It’s amazing how many people don't have the means to go to the dentist,” Hannah said.
“Glenden is a small mining town, and it’s so far away from everything.
“Most of us are shift workers who don’t have a lot of spare time to travel long distances for treatment.
“I would have had to travel two hours with the kids to Mackay.”
RFDS Dental Assistant Tayla Adam said it’s common for some patients to have a dental phobia.
“Most often, it’s the fear of the unknown, past traumatic experiences, or a specific part of the process (water, sounds, smells, etc.) which people don’t really like,” Tayla said.
“We are very open and honest with our patients and strive to help them overcome these fears by providing support and education on the oral health care and treatment they need.”
Tayla said the lack of accessible dental services in rural and remote communities has a huge impact on the overall health of residents.
“This affects everyone in these areas, but especially those who are elderly and people with disabilities who may find it more difficult to travel far and wide in search of these services,” Tayla said.
“Everyone in the communities we visit are extremely welcoming and go out of their way to make their appreciation for the service known. “
The Flying Doctor acknowledges the support of QCoal Group, QCoal Foundation and the Australian Government in establishing the RFDS Dental Service in 2013.
