The Daylesford District Community Bank has given Central Highlands Rural Health almost $12,000 to significantly enhance and broaden vital dental services for local children.

The funding allowed the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment to widen the scope of paediatric services, increasing access for local children; improve the efficiency of dental services, allowing more patients to receive treatment; and boost ergonomics, to the benefit of both dentist and patient alike.

The new equipment is now in use at the Daylesford Community Health Centre, with both staff and patients appreciating its immediate benefits.

It is widely recognised that the earlier a child is introduced to dental check-ups and treatment through their first few years of life determines how well they will care for their own oral health into the future.

Oral examinations carried out early and often are essential in the detection of problems such as early tooth decay, and also facilitate preventative measures which can enhance a child’s oral health and also overall longevity and quality of life.

Accordingly, the bank’s support is a truly intergenerational investment in the long-term health of the local Daylesford community.

Community Bank Chair Mark Rak commented, “Importantly, this new equipment ensures that more residents can be treated locally, rather than having to travel to Ballarat or elsewhere.”

He added, “In the past eight years alone, our Community Bank has given more than $42,000 to support local health services.”

Pictured:  Primary school pupil Sophia Vekic receives her regular dental check-up from dentist Samantha Smith.