The University of Queensland will help St George slay dental problems, thanks to a new clinic run in partnership with Goondir Health Services.

While in mythology St George defeated the Dragon, a dental training service in the rural town of the same name will take the sword to decay, gum disease and abscesses. UQ School of Dentistry Acting Head Associate Professor Pauline Ford said the new clinic would complement the existing Goondir Health Service in Dalby, located three hours north-east. Builders will commence on the St George site in coming weeks and completion is expected by the end of the year,” Dr Ford said. “From our involvement with Goondir at Dalby we have seen dental graduates more open to the prospect of working in regional Queensland. We view the establishment of a presence in St George as a win for both rural health and for the breadth of experience we can offer our graduates. Rural placements have a positive effect on the likelihood of students returning to the bush after graduation.”

Goondir’s Dalby clinic has been operating since 2013, with a particular focus on Indigenous health. It provides comprehensive dental services to the community from a five-chair dental clinic. Fifth-year UQ Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) students have an option to undertake placement with Goondir, providing a valuable insight and education in the final months of their study. Goondir Health Services Chief Executive Officer Floyd Leedie said the St George service would be a welcome addition to Queensland’s south western community. “In 2015 alone the Dalby clinic provided more than 2,200 occasions of service,” Mr Leedie said. “Patients came from as far away as Bundaberg, Mitchell, Cunnamulla and Nockatunga, which is more than 900 kilometres away. “The service will be available to all within the community. “We look forward to patients having timely access to dental care to improve their overall health and wellbeing.” The turning of the first sod at St George on Wednesday, April 6 was attended by current Balonne Shire Council Mayor Richard Marsh, previous Mayor Donna Stewart and representatives of UQ, Goondor and Hutchinson Builders..

The establishment  of the four-chair clinic is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health.

Media: Ms Stacey Vogel, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , +617 3365 8074; Goondir Health Services, Ms Louise Sanderson, +61 0437 100 759.