Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) proposal to establish a dental school in rural NSW has received the endorsement of the Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch) (ADA NSW).

 

CSU submitted a detailed proposal to the Government in February for $54.4 million in funding for a new School of Dentistry and Oral Health. If funded, the proposed school will have pre-clinical and clinical facilities in Orange and Wagga Wagga, with Dental Education Clinics in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst and Dubbo.

 

In a letter to the Prime Minister, ADA NSW President Tony Burges stated, “CSU has listened to our concerns regarding the academic workforce and our continued requirement for graduates to be competently trained to ensure they maintain the excellence in care already provided by dentists in Australia.

 

“CSU has demonstrated a willingness to work with local practitioners to create sustainable models that are based in the community and we are confident that this will continue into the future.

 

“For the reasons stated above, ADA NSW Branch Ltd commends the proposal by Charles Sturt University to you.”

 

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter said, “CSU can demonstrate that it can provide a real solution to the rural dental crisis.

 

“CSU is the only university in NSW that has received ADA NSW endorsement for its rural dental school proposal.

 

“Developing a proposal like this is not something that can be done overnight. It took two years and a significant financial investment to develop the CSU proposal.

 

“We greatly appreciate the support of the ADA NSW for our proposal and look forward to continuing to work with the industry on the implementation of the School if Commonwealth funding is received.”

 

Dr Burges stated that Australian Dental Association (NSW) was aware of some regional initiatives in other tertiary institutions. “Only CSU has meaningfully sought to engage the profession along the journey to increase the likelihood of successful and sustainable partnerships. For this reason, ADA NSW is prepared to publicly support CSU in obtaining funds to ensure that this proposal becomes a reality.”