The University of Newcastle has today shared details of its vision for a dentistry school and 50-chair public dental clinic and training facility on the Central Coast to reduce waiting times and increase dental services for the region.
The vision for the Central Coast School of Dentistry and Central Coast Public Dental Clinic would see the establishment of a new university offering where students studying oral health therapy could have a fast-track pathway to become dentists.
"We know waiting lists for public, general oral health services on the Coast are too long and we want to be part of the solution," Professor Zelinsky said.
"We know there's a huge opportunity here to work together with the next Federal Government and our State Government to tackle this critical need."
"We've been working closely with the Central Coast Local Health District to help find ways to reduce that waiting list – but we know a key part of the solution is that we need to train more dentists to work here in this community," Professor Zelinsky said.
The University of Newcastle's proposal would establish a fast-tracked pathway to becoming a dentist for Oral Health Therapists, with clinical practice in a 50-chair state-of-the-art clinic for Central Coast residents. It would include recognition of prior learning through TAFE and places for FEE-FREE Uni Ready Students.
"The opportunity for students would be to do three years studying Oral Health Therapy, then six months of practice, followed by 2.5 years in a Master of Dentistry.
"We would start the program with up to 30 students in the first year – we'd need the Federal Government to provide those additional places each year."
"Once fully operational, the public dental clinic could see up to 40,000 appointments per year with oral health students being supervised by fully accredited dentists – that would make an enormous difference to people in our community needing public oral health services."
Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said that transforming the University of Newcastle's desired future state into reality would be a wonderful outcome for the growing region.
"I fully support the University of Newcastle's vision. As our community continues to grow, so too does the demand for dental services," Mayor McKinna said.
"The Central Coast School of Dentistry and Central Coast Public Dental Clinic would be a significant and welcomed investment in the future of the Central Coast," he said.
Business NSW Central Coast has also added its support for the proposal.
"This is exactly the kind of visionary investment our region needs. The University of Newcastle's proposal for a Central Coast School of Dentistry and Public Dental Clinic is a game-changer — not only for local education and skills development, but for tackling critical gaps in healthcare access," said Scott Goold, Regional Director, Business NSW Central Coast
"Reducing public dental waitlists, training a pipeline of skilled professionals, and improving long-term community health outcomes – this project delivers on all fronts. Business NSW strongly supports this initiative."
Vice-Chancellor Professor Zelinsky outlined the broader benefits of addressing oral health needs.
"There is a direct relationship between oral health and overall health. By working with our Federal and State Governments to improve oral and dental health services on the Central Coast, we know we could also reduce GP visits, prevent hospitalisations and reduce visits to the Emergency Department," Professor Zelinsky said.
"Our University is committed to delivering better oral health for the Central Coast by offering the first dental school in NSW north of Sydney Harbour.
"We know it's a bold vision but with the support of the community and in partnership with the next government we can make it a reality."
