Graphic: Acting Health Minister launches the QCoal Community Dental Service
Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham today launched the QCoal Community Dental Service for 2016.
Speaking from the Royal Flying Doctor Service's Brisbane Base, Minister Lynham commended this health initiative between the QCoal Foundation and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
"It's great to be here today to launch a service that provides free dental care to thousands of rural and remote Queenslanders," Dr Lynham said.
"I applaud the dedication of the dental team and I recognise the important and challenging role they play in delivering frontline health services to our regions."
Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) Chairman Bill Mellor said the RFDS was proud of its partnership with QCoal Foundation which has provided more than $2million worth of free dental services to 14 rural and remote communities across central and western Queensland, since commencing in 2013.
"In 2016, the Central Queensland town of Rolleston will be the first scheduled visit for the Service, from 11 to 23 January, followed by Springsure from 1to 13 February and Sapphire 22 February to 5 March," Mr Mellor said.
QCoal Foundation Director Christopher Wallin said the popular dental service was a significant win for those living and working in rural and remote communities, where access to dental care is a major concern.
"Thanks to this service, those living and working in rural and remote communities can now receive the quality care they need on their doorstep, free of charge," he said.
The QCoal Community Dental Service is delivered via two dental surgeries in a purpose-built semi-trailer and can provide everything from a simple check and clean, through to an extraction or X-ray. To date, the service has treated more than 6000 patients in rural and remote Queensland.
Together, the Flying Doctor and QCoal Foundation will continue to look at ways to enhance the service, including by partnering with Government, to ensure that people who live in rural and remote Queensland have access to the same level of oral health care as their metropolitan counterparts.
For more information call 1800 002 507 or visit the Oral Health page on the website.
