Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025 71 Funded by: Federal Dept of Social Services – National Indigenous Australians Agency NSW Health – Rural Doctors Network – Western NSW Primary Health Network Celebrating over 39 years of Service since 1986 REPORT ON ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM JULY 2024 TO JUNE 2025 Introduction The aims of the Dental Program is to; • To provide a culturally appropriate mix of dental health services for clients who reside in WAMS service area • To improve access to dental services for all our clients • To build an effective dental workforce • To work effectively with local partners in the provision of quality dental care Activities We provide oral health services to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of Walgett and the surrounding areas that form WAMS service area. During this financial year, WAMS engaged the following dentists for a total of 7 weeks: Dr Michael Prochazka 18th – 22nd November 9th – 13th December, 24th – 28th February Dr Sheela Sampath 16th – 20th September, 4th – 8th November, 7th – 11th April Dr Bradley Russ 16th – 20th June We also employ an Oral Health Therapist on a part time basis to provide preventive oral health care and advice to children and their families. Mr Ashraf Nesirwan works at WAMS 3 days per month. In 2024-25 he provided services on the following dates Mr Ashraf Nesirwan 26th to 28th August, 21st – 23rd October, 25th – 27 November, 17th – 19th March, 28th 30th April, 19th – 21st May, 23rd – 25th June. We are very appreciative to the dental professionals for their commitment to the program, and their enthusiasm for the organisation, staff and the community. We have a combined team that provides the best care for various groups, i.e children, denture needs, and general dentistry. We are most grateful to Ms Jenni Floyd, Area Program Manager for Oral Health, Western NSW Local Health District, and to the staff at the Dubbo Community Dental Clinic, who have supported us through program coordination and staff development support. Recruitment of dental professionals in rural and remote areas is a national problem, and while we continue to be supported by a group of interested dental professionals who are willing to commit to regular visits to Walgett, the recruitment of appropriate staff is and ongoing challenge. We also utilise other avenues of recruitment support such as linking into professional networks to expand the pool of available and appropriate dental practitioners.
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