2005 Media Releases
July 14, 2005
University announces a first: A new dental degree for Bendigo
La Trobe University has moved to stem a critical shortage of dental therapists and hygienists across Victoria announcing a new 3 year Health Sciences (Oral Health) degree to start in Bendigo next year.
Minister for Health Bronwyn Pike announced the new program which will see the development of a new ten-chair dentistry teaching clinic and pre-clinical laboratory based at the Bendigo Health Care Group.
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe University Professor Stephen Duckett said the state Government has made a significant commitment towards the development of the new University teaching facility.
“This program, in partnership with Dental Health Services Victoria and the Bendigo Health Care Group, represents an exciting new opportunity for regional Victoria.
“There will be an initial intake of ten students in 2006 rising to 30 over the next three years. The course will have a major focus on public dental health in rural and regional Victoria.
“We believe the location of this program in Bendigo will encourage rural students to enrol and increase the likelihood of their desire to continue to work in rural locations.”
Professor Duckett said Victoria was experiencing critical shortages of dental therapists.
“Victoria has only half the number of therapists per population (2.9 per 100,000) than the Australian average (6.1 per 100,000) reflecting the relative lower coverage of school dental services in Victoria.
“Dental therapists and dental hygienists are critical to a cost-effective public dental health care system, particularly child dental health. They provide the majority of care in the Victorian School Dental Service.”
Professor Duckett said the program would be based at the Bendigo Health Care Group adjacent to the existing dental clinic, as well as at La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus.
“This program represents a significant commitment by La Trobe University and the Victorian Government to regional Victoria.
“In addition to supporting the capital works program, the Bracks Government has also provided $6,666 recurrent funding per student to support pre-clinical and clinical training.
“Scholarships of $7,000 per annum will also be made available for a select number of students willing to make a commitment to engage in a period of public sector employment upon successful completion of the course.”
Professor Duckett said the program paved the way for a new generation of dental professionals trained to meet the needs of regional Victoria.
“La Trobe University intends to commence this program in 2006 by local advertising in schools within the Bendigo catchment area which would fill the initial intake of 10 students.”
For further information:
Professor Stephen Duckett 03 9479 1930