12 BUSINESS NEWS THE UNIVERSITY OF Newcastle has shared details of its vision for a dentistry school and 50-chair public dental clinic and training facility on the Central Coast to reduce waiting times and increase dental services for the region. The vision for the Central Coast School of Dentistry and Central Coast Public Dental Clinic would see the establishment of a new university offering where students studying oral health therapy could have a fast-track pathway to become dentists. “We know waiting lists for public, general oral health services on the Coast are too long and we want to be part of the solution,” Vice Chancellor Professor Zelinsky said. “We know there’s a huge opportunity here to work together with the next Federal Government and our State Government to tackle this critical need.” “We’ve been working closely with the Central Coast Local Health District to help find ways to reduce that waiting list – but we know a key part of the solution is that we need to train more dentists to work here in this community,” Professor Zelinsky said. The University of Newcastle’s proposal would establish a fast-tracked pathway to becoming a dentist for Oral Health Therapists, with clinical practice in a 50-chair state-of-the-art clinic for Central Coast residents. It would include recognition of prior learning through TAFE and places for FEE-FREE Uni Ready Students. “The opportunity for students would be to do three years studying Oral Health Therapy, then six months of practice, followed by 2.5 years in a Master of Dentistry. “We would start the program with up to 30 students in the first year – we’d need the Federal Government to provide those additional places each year.” “Once fully operational, the public dental clinic could see up to 40,000 appointments per year with oral health students being supervised by fully accredited dentists – that would make an enormous difference to people in our community needing public oral health services.” Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said that transforming the University of Newcastle’s desired future state into reality would be a wonderful outcome for the growing region. “I fully support the University of Newcastle’s vision. As our community continues to grow, so too does the demand for dental services,” Mayor McKinna said. “The Central Coast School of Dentistry and Central Coast Public Dental Clinic would be a significant and welcomed investment in the future of the Central Coast,” he said. Business NSW Central Coast has also added its support for the proposal. “This is exactly the kind of visionary investment our region needs. The University of Newcastle’s proposal for a Central Coast School of Dentistry and Public Dental Clinic is a game-changer — not only for local education and skills development, but for tackling critical gaps in healthcare access,” said Scott Goold, Regional Director, Business NSW Central Coast “Reducing public dental waitlists, training a pipeline of skilled professionals, and improving long-term community health outcomes – this project delivers on all fronts. Business NSW strongly supports this initiative.” Vice-Chancellor Zelinsky outlined the broader benefits of addressing oral health needs. “There is a direct relationship between oral health and overall health. By working with our Federal and State Governments to improve oral and dental health services on the Central Coast, we know we could also reduce GP visits, prevent hospitalisations and reduce visits to the Emergency Department,” Professor Zelinsky said. “Our University is committed to delivering better oral health for the Central Coast by offering the first dental school in NSW north of Sydney Harbour. “We know it’s a bold vision but with the support of the community and in partnership with the next government we can make it a reality.” University of Newcastle plans first School of Dentistry north of Sydney for Coast Some 650 students have graduated from the Central Coast Campuses at Ourimbah and the Clinical School in Gosford this year. In a celebration of successfully completing years of hard work and studies graduates received their Graduation Certificates and Diploma. The Graduation represents the culmination of years of hard work and achievement and is a time of celebration for students and families. In welcoming guests to the Graduation Ceremony University of Newcastle, Chancellor The Hon. Patricia Forsyth AM said, “To all our graduates, thank you for your contributions as a University of Newcastle student. We hope the friendships and networks you have developed at our university will stay with you for many years to come. Graduates from the University of Newcastle carry with them our university’s reputation as a world leader. Our university is thrilled to be in the top 200 universities in the world, and we hope you feel equally proud to be an alumni of such a high-achieving university. As you consider the next steps in your career, you can be confident that your time at the University of Newcastle has prepared you to make a difference. Occasional Speaker was The Hon. Michael Lee, the first Member for Dobell, was elected in 1984 serving in the Parliament until his defeat in 2001. Prior to that he worked as a Construction he was subsequently appointed Chair of the Central Coast Campuses Board and later Chair of the NSW TAFE Commission. Graduates included those who had successfully completed courses in the College of Engineering Science and Environment; College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing; College of Human and Social Futures and those who had completed courses in the University’s Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre Render of proposed Central Coast School of Dentistry and Public Dental Clinic Over 650 students graduate from UON Central Coast Campuses University of Newcastle Central Coast Campuses 2025 Graduation. Occasional Speaker was The Hon. Michael Lee CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW MAY 2025
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