It has been twenty years since the opening of the Oral Health Centre of WA (OCHWA), and UWA Dental School students, with expert supervision, continue to provide dental treatment and oral care for vulnerable patients who are eligible for government-subsidised services. Patients are those who are unable to afford private dental care including elderly pensioners, individuals and families on low incomes, people with disabilities, carers, homeless people, single parents and their children, Indigenous people and refugees.
It is also the primary education facility for Western Australian dentists, dental specialists, dental hygienists, and dental nurses. Since opening, students and their supervisors have treated more than 300,000 patients, and close to 800 dental, specialist, research students have graduated from UWA, and have gone on to attend the many professional development sessions hosted. This has delivered wide-ranging benefits to the community and the dental profession.
A critical part of OCHWA is the pre-clinical teaching facilities. Before dental students wield their implements on real patients, they must translate theory into practice. This lab provides a safe environment for students to develop the dexterity, coordination and depth perception that is vital for providing pain-free treatment.
Image: Many pre-clinical practice heads are in a poor state.
Some of the pre-clinical model lab heads are now in poor condition. The volume of repairs needed for the ageing equipment is growing and complete renewal represents an opportunity to reduce ongoing maintenance cost, enabling reinvestment in patient care and education. For example, in 2020, OCHWA replaced 25 masks due to wear/tear/rips. UWA now has a critical window of opportunity to redesign the lab to accommodate more students and integrate the latest equipment and software.
"Clinical simulators have provided me with the competence but also the confidence required to provide high quality treatment and care for when I start seeing real patients.
I hope that we can continue to update this facility for future students. "Jim Rae, 2nd year Student in the Doctor of Dental Medicine Course
WADF Backs Dental Clinical Simulation Laboratory Project
UWA has allocated the core investment to make this $1.9 million dollar refurbishment possible, and the Western Australian Dental Foundation is taking a critical role in the campaign to secure the final funds.
WADF now invites alumni and friends of UWA Dental School, including the dental profession and the wider community, to donate to UWA for the Dental Clinical Simulation Laboratory project. The refurbishment is due in December 2022.
As graduates of UWA Dental School, we have benefited from the foresight of those who established and have developed it over many decades. Members of the profession now have the opportunity to ensure students of the future can continue to enjoy learning in contemporary, state-of-the-art, facilities.
The Honourable Dr John Day BSc '78, BDSc '83, Patron, Dental Clinical Simulation Laboratory Project
UWA graduates are encouraged to update their details with UWA to receive alumni news and join activities.
To discuss making a contribution to the Dental Clinical Simulation Laboratory project, contact Kate McKenzie, Development Manager [email protected] (08) 6488 8542.
To donate online, visit campaign.uwa.edu.au/give-now and select the Dental Clinical Simulation Laboratory Fund from the designation drop-down.
Learn more about WA Dental Foundation.