Not-for-profit Tasmanian private health insurer St Lukes has opened its first dental practice, aiming to fill a gap in the market and provide more Tasmanians with affordable and accessible oral health services.
The practice, located in St Lukes’ new state-of-the art Launceston wellness hub at 93 Cimitiere Street, features dentists, oral health therapists and hygienists.
Chief Health Officer Luke Cameron said having the three roles in one place, practicing independently with their own provider numbers, would help improve access.
“This unique mix of skillsets allows us to offer a broader range of services to Tasmanian families, helping them get the right level of dental care at the right price,” he said.
“The intent is to empower people to choose the treatment they need, whether that’s a full dental check-up, or a regular clean.
“Our dentists will provide general and major dental care, both preventative and emergency. Oral health therapists will support both children and adults, and our hygienists are experts in cleaning, oral health advice and gum treatment. They’ll all be supported by a team of dental assistants.
“This skill mix is important, because Tasmania has almost 25 per cent fewer dentists per capita than the national average. If we can direct patients to the right oral health professional, it spreads the workload and frees up dentists to see more people with acute needs.”
The family-friendly dental practice is open to the whole community, to help more people get preventative or early intervention oral health care and improve the next generation’s oral health.
The St Lukes dental team said Dental Health Week (August 5-9) is great reminder to practice good oral health habits, with the following tips to take care of your teeth:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums, and brush gently in small circles or a back-and-forth motion. Finish by spitting out the toothpaste, but don’t rinse your mouth.
- If using mouthwash, swish before brushing.
- Floss or use an interdental brush daily.
- Motivate kids to brush for two minutes by using a fun song or toothbrushing app.
- Choose healthy foods and limit sugar, especially in juice and energy / sports / soft drinks.
- Quit smoking or vaping.
- Visit a dental practice regularly for a check-up and clean.
Throughout the week St Lukes is offering free toothbrushes at its customer care centres statewide. The organisation is also reviewing its extras packages to make private dental more affordable.
“We’re working on a dental-only extras product, to encourage Tasmanian families who may not normally consider health insurance as an affordable option, to have more timely access to private dental care, especially for preventative dental services,” Mr Cameron said.
St Lukes’ second dental practice will open on the eastern shore in southern Tasmania in the coming months, with more clinics to follow. Bookings are available at stlukes.com.au/dental/dental-practices or 1300 354 637.
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Contact: Jacquie Ray, Timmins Ray Public Relations: 0429 683 779 | jacquie@timminsray.com.au