Broken Hill and surrounding communities are set to benefit from the recruitment of the Far West Oral Health Service's first Clinical Lead Dental Officer based at the Broken Hill Community Health Centre (CHC).
Dr Suruchi Khanna comes to Broken Hill from Canberra Health Service where she led the service as Clinical Director - Oral Health, where she delivered major structural reforms, including developing a new model of care and the implementation of a new digital health record.
Dr Khanna has worked for over 20 years in public and private clinics, both overseas and in Australia, including Roma in Queensland, the South Coast of NSW and Tasmania.
Patients can call the operator with their Medicare and concession card details on 1800 679 336, and they will be contacted for an appointment by the Oral Health Services team.
NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park, said it was an exciting time for Far West Oral Health Services and their patients.
"The accessibility and delivery of quality healthcare across regional NSW has been one of my key focuses as Regional Health Minister, so I'm proud to share that we can now provide free dental care in Broken Hill to children, pensioners and anyone with a concession card," said Minister Park.
Member of the Legislative Council Stephen Lawrence also welcomed the announcement.
"When we have services like this that can meet the healthcare needs of children from the beginning, we raise the overall standards of wellbeing to create healthier, supported rural and remote communities," Mr Lawence said.
Local Member for Barwon Roy Butler says Dr Khanna's appointment brings a new level of care to the community.
"Securing a permanent Dental Officer with an additional Visiting Dental Team means greater continuity of care and comprehensive treatment plans for Far West LHD patients,"
