Training Dentists in Wagga Wagga

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18 September 2009

Construction is complete and students are enrolled at the new School of Dentistry and Health Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.

The Australian Government has invested more than $19.5 million in the Wagga facility including $17.5 for the pre-clinical and clinical facilities and over $2 million for 40 bed student accommodation. It forms part of a $58.1 million
Federal funding commitment to the Charles Sturt University dental school across Wagga, Orange, Albury, Bathurst and Dubbo.

Today, Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, toured the two newly finished dental clinics (with 24 chairs in total), a dental simulation laboratory, specialist dental teaching and research facilities, two IT lecture theatres (for 80 students in total), teaching space, support space and public amenities and accommodation.

“In addition to the capital investment in the new facilities, the Australian Government is also funding 60 dental and oral health student places at the school each year, beginning with the 2009 cohort,” Mr Snowdon said.

“There is a shortage of dentists and oral health workers in Wagga and investing in local training and local infrastructure is key to building the region’s workforce.

“I have no doubt that students who experience Wagga Wagga during their study will want to settle here and build their careers in the community.”

Mr Snowdon said the school would not only provide much needed places for training new dentists, it would also benefit patients in the wider region.

“Negotiations are underway for the Greater Southern Area Health Service to provide public dental services at the school, vastly improving access to dental services in the region.”

The Rudd Government has committed to major reforms to dental care in Australia, with national consultation currently underway on the recommendations of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission, including options to improve dental treatment access.

In the 2009-10 Budget the Government committed to investing a further $11 million over three years for the provision of additional Indigenous dental services in rural and regional areas.

Media contact: Kate Sieper 02 6277 7427 and 0488 484 689.