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 commencing 30 September to 11 October 2024 (These dates have been penciled in but are to be confirmed as our dental team visits to King Island and mobile clinics are still to be confirmed).

> One-week clinical work experience on King Island as an assistant to the RFDS Dentist.

> One-week 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 to King Island.

> A living allowance of $100 per day and reimbursement of formal costs, such as immunisations and police check.

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 Monday the 8th of July and close on Friday the 26th of July 2024. 

The application form is available on the TasTAFE and RFDS websites (see below) from Monday the 8th of July 2024.

Please ensure you read all the terms carefully. 

If you have any questions please contact your TasTAFE Dental Teacher or Christine Austin-Lund by phone: 6477 7455 or by email: dental@tastafe.tas.edu.au