As she prepares for her final undergraduate year at Charles Sturt University (CSU), Ms Stacey Webb is broadening her knowledge of how her studies in oral health will help to close the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

 

The Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy/Hygiene) student recently completed a western NSW road trip to get an overview of the work of local Aboriginal Medical Services. She visited Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) in Wellington, Orange, Coonamble, Walgett, Brewarrina and Bourke.

 

The trip was organised for the university student by the Bila Muuji Aboriginal Health Services Incorporated as part of a new scholarship scheme offered through the Charles Sturt University Foundation.  

 

The CSU student was last year awarded the inaugural Bila Muuji Oral Health Scholarship, valued at $7 000. As part of the scholarship, Ms Webb will undertake 12-months work with the Western NSW Local Health Network (formerly the Greater Western Area Health Service) when she graduates including six months at the new CSU Dental and Oral Health Clinic in Dubbo.

 

Originally from the small community of Bedgerebong, between Forbes and Condobolin in central west NSW, Ms Webb was among the first students selected in 2009 to study oral health at CSU in Wagga Wagga.

 

Given her upbringing in the state’s central west, the CSU student is no stranger to healthcare in rural and remote areas. However her recent trip gave her further insight into what challenges face health professionals in regional and rural NSW.

 

“The AMS staff were always so eager, welcoming and friendly. Many of the staff have lived in the rural communities for much of their lives and it was great to see so many people passionate about helping their local community.

 

“From an oral health perspective, it was also encouraging to see oral health promotion incorporated into so many other areas of health care, including antenatal classes, healthy eating programs, and routine health checks,” Ms Webb said.

 

“I feel that this trip further opened my eyes to some of the issues and challenges facing rural communities.

 

“Indigenous Australians face many disadvantages in relation to accessing oral health services, and I look forward to being able to help address these inequalities so that they can obtain a similar health status to that of non-Indigenous people.

 

Bila Muuji Oral Health Consultant, Dr Sandra Meihubers said, “Bila Muuji is committed to improving oral health care for Aboriginal people in western NSW. An aspect of this is to support trainee and young dental professionals to gain insights into the issues affecting rural and remote Aboriginal communities, and to see how they can work with communities to bring about positive changes.”

 

Ms Webb said, “I am very honoured to be the first recipient of the Bila Muuji Oral Health Scholarship as I believe it will give me the opportunity to develop not only as a clinician, but also as an active member of the community.”

  

Ms Webb said, “My advice to other CSU students is to apply for as many scholarships as possible, and even if you are unsuccessful, the application process is a valuable learning experience.”

 

The Charles Sturt University Foundation administers over 200 undergraduate scholarships at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga, including the Bila Muuji Oral Health Scholarship.

 

Scholarships at CSU are available for undergraduate and postgraduate students and include Commonwealth and Equity Scholarships for students from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those from rural and regional areas and Indigenous students.