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Our local dental health service

Posted By Laal24

"Our local dental health service"

About: North Beach Dental Therapy Clinic

(as a parent/guardian),

I would like to say that I have been taking my children to the local dental health service located at North Beach Primary School in WA since they began primary school. They are now in Yr 9 and Yr 7.  The service and care that the staff provide has always been exceptional. It has never been too hard to change or re-book an appointment.

Ever since COVID it has been harder to see the dental hygienist, perhaps because it seems they are struggling with staffing.  I think if the government increased the pay scale, perhaps it would attract more staff, rather than have them go in to private practices. 

I believe the downturn in numbers could see these services at local centres diminish or disappear altogether, which would be devastating for all who use this service.  I feel it is vital to look after the dental health of our most vulnerable, otherwise they could become a burden on the system in their adult life.  Please don't close these services down. Attract and keep staff and ensure that the dental health of young Australians is at the highest possible level.

Thank you

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Responses

Response from Theresa Marshall, Executive Director, Mental Health, Public Health and Dental Services, North Metropolitan Health Service 16 months ago
Theresa Marshall
Executive Director, Mental Health, Public Health and Dental Services,
North Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 5/12/2024 at 4:32 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 5:11 PM

Dear Laal24,

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback regarding your experiences over the years taking your children to the North Beach Dental Therapy Centre.

It is pleasing that you found the service and care that the staff provide has always been exceptional and accessing appointments has not been difficult.

Currently the North Beach Dental Therapy Centre is operating 5 days per week providing care to children in North Beach and surrounding suburbs. All areas of Health are facing workforce challenges, and the recruitment of dentists and dental therapists continues to be challenging, however, there are no plans to close any School Dental Service clinic, and this very valuable service will continue.

I am sorry that you have found it harder to see the dental therapist in recent times. Should you have any need to discuss your children’s dental care, please contact your Area Dental Officer, Judith Arthurs at the Yuluma Dental Therapy Centre on 0447 440 334.

I will ensure your comments and kind words are shared with the staff at the North Beach Dental Therapy Centre.

Kind regards

Dr Theresa Marshall

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