Special delivery for CQU’s oral health team
CQUniversity’s mobile dental service has a new ‘baby’ on board – a portable x-ray device – and staff and students can’t wait to introduce it to the world.
Yet to take its ‘first steps’ off campus, the recently purchased Nomad Pro Portable X-Ray system is a welcome addition to the University’s oral health mobile dental service, providing much-needed services to the elderly and other underserved groups.
The $29,000 purchase was made possible thanks to a grant from the Queensland Gambling Community Benefit Fund and will soon be on road with CQUniversity’s mobile dental service in Rockhampton and Mt Morgan.
CQUniversity’s mobile service addresses transport barriers, which have historically prevented elderly and vulnerable populations from attending their dental appointments and accessing dental care.
This initiative aims to improve oral health services for vulnerable populations by providing dental care beyond the confines of a dental clinic.
Oral Health Clinic Coordinator Libby Warlow said despite CQUniversity’s mobile dental treatment being very successful in its screening processes to date, they had always needed to refer some patients back to their clinic for diagnostic x-rays which was an issue for some patients.
“With the capacity to now take x-rays on site at any outreach facility, we can complete comprehensive examinations, make a definitive diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan for each client on site,” explained Ms Warlow.
“The acquisition of portable dental equipment by the CQUniversity Health Clinic has significantly expanded students' opportunities to provide dental care to underserved populations who face transportation, financial or access barriers.
“Venturing beyond the confines of traditional clinical bays also exposes students to the potential expansion of their roles as dental clinicians.”
CQUniversity’s oral health students can participate in work-integrated learning experiences in diverse settings, including over-55 communities, residential care facilities, drug rehabilitation centres, community health settings, and schools and childcare centres, where they conduct dental examinations and treatment, and deliver oral health education.
The new x-ray equipment will initially be used with the University’s second and third-year oral health cohort.
