John Flynn Dental Assistant Scholarship
The RFDS John Flynn Dental Assistant Scholarship was established by Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania in 2006 for dental assistants who are studying a Certificate III with TasTAFE. The scholarship aims to further their workplace skills by providing an experience of living in remote Australia and working there with the RFDS.
The scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Reverend John Flynn who recognised the desperate need to provide skilled medical care to remote areas of Australia. In 1928, Flynn’s vision became a reality when he pioneered Australia’s first medical flying service.
Today, over ninety years later, the iconic Australian organisation is known as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and delivers 24-hour emergency aeromedical and primary health care services to those who live, work, and travel throughout Australia. Its founder, John Flynn is honoured on our $20 note.
The Scholarship comprises:
- Two weeks with RFDS Tasmania Dental Team (dates to be confirmed as our dental team schedule is set every three months) but between September- December.
- One of these weeks we endeavour to make a clinical work experience on King or Flinders Island as an assistant to the RFDS Dentist
- The other week gaining clinical experience in Tasmania in our Mobile Dental Vehicle, as an assistant to the RFDS Oral Health Therapist. (Location may change pending availability)
- Accommodation as required.
- Return flights where applicable
- A living allowance of $100 per day for living expenses, paid directly into the recipients bank account.
No previous RFDS experience is required.
Tasmanian candidates may apply for the scholarship within 18 months of commencing Certificate III in Dental Assisting training. Or within their first year of full-time training if a school-based trainee.
Applications open on June 22, 2026 and close on July 17, 2026.
The application form is available on the TasTAFE and RFDS websites from June 22, 2026
Please ensure you read all the terms carefully.
If you have any questions, please contact your TasTAFE Dental Teacher or Linda Thomas on phone: 0459724872 or by email: dental@tafe.tas.edu.au
