Yarrabilba’s South Rock State School is now host to a mobile dental van brushing up on dental care for local students. Oral Health Therapist Josephine Joy Waugh is all about filling the gap with accessible dental services in the area.
"Most of the parents walk their kids to school and they're able to easily walk to the clinic with their child early in the morning or late in the afternoon, even halfway through the day," said Josephine.
“This convenience allows parents to maintain their daily routines and give their kids dental care without significant disruption.”
The reintroduced van provides on-site care, eliminating the need for families to leave work or school for appointments. While there is only one active van, there are hopes to expand the pilot program to different schools and involve more clinicians.
The importance of the van's presence extends beyond mere convenience. The program has also revealed a significant lack of awareness about available public health services.
"It's bringing equity into the community and reaching families who may not know about public health," she said.
The initiative also addresses the unique needs of the community, which includes a diverse range of socio-economic backgrounds.
"We see kids who have never had a dental appointment before, kids from all different backgrounds and who have different dental care needs,”
“Having the van on-site ensures that these children receive necessary dental care, which might otherwise be inaccessible.”
The van pilot also aims to build a positive experience for children at young age.
"It really does shape the children's future when it comes to health in general, but also dental," Josephine said.
"We've had a lot of parents compliment us on just how great it is to have us right here," she said.
“The presence of the dental van not only ensures that children receive essential care but also fosters a sense of community and support.”
The return of mobile dental vans marks a significant step toward improving oral health accessibility for school children in the Yarrabilba area. This initiative is one more step, towards Metro South Health efforts to build Australia’s healthiest community.