INDIGENOUS children in Singleton can now receive free dental care thanks to a partnership between Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation, Glencore and the Poche Centre of Indigenous Health.
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“This is a huge milestone for Ungooroo and will help close the gap in this area,” Ungooroo general manager Taasha Layer said.
“This will dramatically increase what services we can provide after securing free GP consultations last year.
“While at the moment it is only for children there is a view to expand the services to adults as well.”
The Poche Centre Indigenous Health Centre is providing funding for a dentist and clinician for children while Glencore has offered the upfront costs for the equipment, which will be housed at Ungooroo’s offices on George Street.
Because the equipment is mobile, the specialists have been to schools all over the Upper Hunter to screen indigenous students.
“It’s a basic screening, if we see any issues we book them in for an appointment at Ungooroo which has all the gear to do more extended dental work,” Kylie Gwynee said.
“The aim is to get children who have oral health problems out of pain and also to return to school to show kids good practice to keep teeth strong.
“While the schools allow Ungooroo to reach more children in the community, call-ins are welcomed and appointments can be booked through the reception.”
