New dental clinic increases Gold Coast community access to dental health

Dental clinic at the Griffith Health Clinic, Gold Coast campus.

Griffith University is increasing the Clinics’ provision of affordable and accessible dental care at the Gold Coast campus with the launch of a state-of-the-art dental clinic expansion.

The clinic provides vital dental care to children and adults at a reduced cost, and bulk billing is also available with support from Queensland Health.

Dean of Dentistry Professor Nigel Robb said the clinic has already provided care to more than 6,000 patients in 2023 and the new upgrade will service nearly 20 per cent more dental patients in 2024.

“The new clinic delivers cost-effective dental treatment and care is overseen by registered dental practitioners,” Professor Robb said.

“Affordable and accessible dentistry is essential as ongoing dental care is fundamental for the health of our communities.

Pro Vice Chancellor of Griffith Health Professor Analise O’Donovan and Director of Griffith Health Clinics Amanda McGuckin.

Pro Vice Chancellor of Griffith Health Professor Analise O’Donovan said dental students working in the clinic will obtain essential skills and confidence by working closely with Griffith’s qualified oral health professionals.

“The initiative will expand the provision of essential practical experience for fourth year and fifth year dental students with on-campus, supervised placement and training,” Professor O’Donovan said.

“Griffith provides high-quality education to our dental students to improve health outcomes for our local communities.”

Director of Griffith Health Clinics Amanda McGuckin said the expansion provides a great student placement experience while servicing the community with affordable healthcare.

“We are delighted to present our newly appointed dental clinic and proud to offer an exceptional service to the community,” Ms McGuckin said.

“Dental hygiene students will continue to provide outreach education to local kindergartens and promote dental hygiene as part of their placements.

“The Griffith Health Clinic provides a variety of services such as midwifery, psychology, physiotherapy, speech pathology, exercise physiology and dietetics.”

Appointments can be made directly with the Griffith Health Clinic or by referral.

/University Release. View in full here.