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Dental Service Helps Fill The Hole In Public Services

The Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe has welcomed the opening of a new dental service in Traralgon.

By Russell Northe - 24th November 2009 - Back to News

Mr Northe said he hoped additional private services would help ease the unacceptable delays for residents waiting to access public dental health services.

"Latrobe Community Health Service has a waiting time of four years for general dental services and about 2,400 residents waiting for treatment," Mr Northe said.

"The Latrobe Valley has one of the longest waiting lists for public dental services in Victoria because the Brumby Government has failed to put in place measures to attract dentists to the region.

"The opening of the new dental care centre in Traralgon and the addition of another three dentists in the community won’t fill the hole left by the failure of public services, but it will provide residents with more options."

Mr Northe said Pacific Smiles Dental had three comfortable and fully equipped dental surgeries with room for future expansion as required.

"The centre is open six days a week with urgent care appointments available everyday for those patients who require treatment immediately," Mr Northe said.

The centre, which is led by David McMahon and supported by Michelle McIntosh and Sasidhar Nair, will give the Latrobe Valley access to a number of essential dental services, including family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and dental implants as well as dentures and mouth guards.

Dr McMahon said patient care was the priority for both staff and practitioners at the centre.

"After much planning, we are thrilled to finally open the new centre for the residents of the Latrobe Valley," Dr McMahon said.

"The centre offers patients greater access to vital dental care and I look forward to introducing the team to the local community."

To provide dental services as cost effectively as possible, Pacific Smiles Dental accepts Medicare funding for eligible patients under the Enhanced Primary Care Scheme, the Teen Dental Scheme and Veterans’ Affairs programs.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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