IT’S smiles all round for Frankston North residents who will now be offered free dental check-ups thanks to a partnership between new Peninsula Health and Frankston Council.
Frankston mayor Cr Sandra Mayer and Peninsula Health’s community health general manager Ruth Azzopardi visited the new community dental room at Frankston North Community Centre last Monday to check out the new dentist’s chair.
The free dental check-up and health education sessions will be held at the centre every second Monday.
Ms Azzopardi says the free dental service will help keep out of hospital.
“Dental admission is a major cause of preventable hospital admissions in Australia. Poor oral health is linked to chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, poor pregnancy outcomes, osteoporosis and heart disease,” Ms Azzopardi said.
“Research shows that poor oral health is a marker of social disadvantage. Children from lower socio-economic groups experience twice the level of tooth decay than other children.”
Cr Mayer said she was proud that council could provide a location and funding for specialised equipment to establish the program at Frankston North.
“The Frankston North Community Centre is a great location for the delivery of dental services in a community based setting. This program will have a significant positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the local community.”
This new service at Frankston North is part of Community Dental’s outreach model of care. It will initially run every second Monday, based on demand.
See peninsulahealth.org.au or call Peninsula Health Community Dental on 9784 8184 or visit Frankston North Community Centre and ask reception to contact the dental team.
