All parts of the dental workforce are experiencing shortages, especially in rural and regional areas.  This is a problem of both overall numbers, and distribution, with a higher ratio of dental care providers to the population in metropolitan areas. 

We therefore urge the parties contesting the 2006 State Election to implement measures designed to produce an extra 25 dentists p.a. (especially from rural backgrounds) with affordable course fees.

This plan should be further augmented by general intern years for all dental graduates in public services, and a scholarship scheme which bonds students to a year of public sector employment in an area of rural need for each year of scholarship benefit provided, and/or a scheme to provide incentives to practice in rural areas (such as has been developed for doctors).
Take Action Now! - Contact the Minister for Health

All parts of the dental workforce are experiencing shortages, especially in rural and regional areas.  This is a problem of both overall numbers, and distribution, with a higher ratio of dental care providers to the population in metropolitan areas. 

We therefore urge the parties contesting the 2006 State Election to implement measures designed to produce an extra 25 dentists p.a. (especially from rural backgrounds) with affordable course fees.

This plan should be further augmented by general intern years for all dental graduates in public services, and a scholarship scheme which bonds students to a year of public sector employment in an area of rural need for each year of scholarship benefit provided, and/or a scheme to provide incentives to practice in rural areas (such as has been developed for doctors).
Take Action Now! - Contact the Minister for Health