Adelaide students in Newcastle

The first group of BDS students from the Uni of Adelaide have arrived in Newcastle. The arrangement is part of the partnership agreement signed between the University of Newcastle and Adelaide in January that will ultimately see up to 16 students spending their final year in the area.

This year, seven dental students will spend 12 weeks in the Hunter New England and North Sydney Central Coast Area Health Services. During their stay, they will be working in community dental clinics alongside enthusiastic and committed dentists. Numerous dentists, working in a range of different settings will act as mentors.

"The support from all of our colleagues has been the key to developing this program," said A/Prof. Jane Taylor, who has coordinated the program's development. "The students will undoubtedly gain from the experience and expertise available in our local health services."

Dr Lanny Chor, Director of Oral Health in the Hunter New England said, "We are very excited about the potential of this opportunity."

The University of Newcastle has also developed a new Bachelor of Oral Health degree that will be offered for the first time from 2005 at the Ourimbah campus. This 3-year undergraduate program will prepare graduates for preventative oral health practice. This is the first program of its type to be offered in NSW and was recognised by the Federal Government in its recent funding allocation for the University of Newcastle.

"We all know how difficult it is to get dental care in the Newcastle and Central Coast areas and these initiatives will assist local practitioners and community residents," said Professor John Marley, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health at the University of Newcastle.