John Flynn Dental Assistant Scholarship

Dental Scholarship

The RFDS John Flynn Dental Assistant Scholarship was established by Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania in 2006 for dental assistants who are studying a Certificate III with TasTAFE. The scholarship aims to further their workplace skills by providing an experience of living in remote Australia and working there with the RFDS. 

The scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Reverend John Flynn who recognised the desperate need to provide skilled medical care to remote areas of Australia. In 1928, Flynn’s vision became a reality when he pioneered Australia’s first medical flying service. 


Today, over ninety years later the iconic Australian organisation is known as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and delivers 24-hour emergency aeromedical and primary health care services to those who live, work, and travel throughout Australia. Its founder, John Flynn is honoured on our $20 note. 

The Scholarship comprises:

  • Guaranteed two weeks with RFDS Tasmania Dental Team
    We aim for one-week clinical work experience as an assistant to the RFDS Dentist - ideally on King Island, and one-week clinical experience in Tasmania in our Mobile Dental Vehicle, as an assistant to the RFDS Oral Health Therapist.
    However, dates and locations vary according the Dental Team's schedule.
  • Accommodation as required
  • Return flights to King Island or Flinders Island where applicable
  • A daily living allowance

No previous RFDS experience is required. 

Tasmanian candidates may apply for the scholarship within 18 months of commencing Certificate III in Dental Assisting training. Or within their first year of full-time training if a school-based trainee.

Applications open on Monday the 8th of July and close on Friday the 26th of July 2024. 

The application form is available on the TasTAFE and RFDS websites (see below) from Monday the 8th of July 2024.

Please ensure you read all the terms carefully. 

If you have any questions please contact your TasTAFE Dental Teacher or Christine Austin-Lund by phone: 6477 7455 or by email: dental@tastafe.tas.edu.au

Tas Tafe