New facilities at United Dental Hospital

CSAHS chief executive officer Dr Diana Horvath and Australian Dental Association NSW State branch president Dr Bill O'Reilly were impressed with the refurbished Assessment and Emergency department and Prosthetics Laboratory after their recent visit during Dental Health Week.

The completed areas mark a significant milestone in the provision of dental health services in NSW.

UDH clinical director Dr Susan Buchanan said staff were delighted with the new facilities and the two renovated departments were among the highlights of the four-year project.

"The new Assesment and Emergency department has helped streamline patient care, reduce multiple-handling, improve efficiency and cut waiting times,"Ms Buchanan said. "The area was created by combining the former primary care and exodontia departments and we are extremely pleased with the results.

"We can now see up to 150 patients in this area each day, and the workload is spread evenly over the week making working conditions more pleasant and efficient. Emergency cases arriving at the hospital are triaged on level 2 and given an appointment or referred to the new Assesment and Emergency department on level 3. This has resulted in a great improvement for patients who are now seen by one dentist for their assessment and treatment."

A revamped prosthetics laboratory on level 5 provides staff with the latest technology for reconstructive facial and dentistry work, with safer and more comfortable conditions leading to greater efficiency and higher quality dentures being produced.

"Staff are the big winners in the updated laboratory, with ergonomic work stations, improved lighting, non-slip flooring, and noise and dust control among the features under the new occupational health and safety guidelines," Dr Buchanan said.

"The introduction of a reception area has made access to the laboratory easier. The new techniques are environmentally friendly and have resulted in significant cost savings."

The Resource Transition Program at the hospital is expected to be completed in time for the new dental curriculum at Sydney University next year.