WITH many Charles Sturt University dental students in their fifth year of study, more people across the region can enjoy a range of dental services at a reduced rate.
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The university recently made an agreement with the state government to take on the waiting list of patients in the public system.
Senior students in Orange, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Dubbo can perform anything from basic cleaning to fillings, extractions, scaling and bridges.
CSU head of school Dr David Wilson is excited that about 40 fifth-year students will graduate at the end of the year with many hours of work experience.
“The students assess the patients and then it is up to them to decide what they want to have done,” he said.
Dr Wilson said the students could also provide partial and full dentures.
“There is a real need for that in the region and they also have an important role in providing people with information on preventative measures they can take to protect their teeth,” he said.
"There is a waiting list, but with increased student numbers we can see more people."
The school currently has 200 students with about 40 in each year, which Dr Wilson said would provide a substantial boost to dental services in the area each year the students graduate.
The fee for services is reduced because the time it takes to complete a procedure is far longer than it would be at a dental surgery.
“The students aren't fast. What a dentist can do in half an hour could take a student one and a half hours,” Dr Wilson said.
People wishing to contact any of the CSU dental clinics can call 1300 278 642 or visit www.csu.edu.au/dental-clinic to make an appointment or find out further information.
