Oral health

A large proportion of people living in remote and rural Australia do not have access to a regular dental service. Recognising the important link between oral health and overall health, the RFDS has established oral health services in parts of remote and rural Australia. These services are provided using fly-in fly-out, mobile and outreach delivery models, and funded by state governments, private investments, or the use of donor funds

In 2023/24, the RFDS provided 21,376 episodes of dental care across Australia.

Two RFDS dentists with a patient in a dental van

RFDS research has determined that the disparity in oral health outcomes between city and country is directly related to disparities in dental care availability and access. On average, more than six in ten (63%) major city adults visited a dentist in a year compared to little more than four in ten (45%) in remote areas.

To find out more about oral health access and outcomes read the RFDS research paper on oral health here:

"Closing the Gap: disparities in oral health access and outcomes in major cities and remote and rural Australia".

Zaviah's story

"For children in Bourke it is nearly a five-hour drive to Dubbo which would mean an overnight stay for families who would have to take time off work and take the children out of school just to see a dentist."

Read Zaviah's story

Oral Health in QLD

Providing a wide range of services direct from the mobile unit, including: oral, health maintenance, X-rays and extractions, treatment for acute or pre-existing conditions, treatment for gum disease, referral to specialist dental services.

Oral Health in NSW/ACT

Delivering regular, vital dental and oral health services through our specialist dental van and fly-in fly-out (FIFO) clinics.

Oral Health in VIC

Providing care in collaboration with Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) and Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB). Operating through purpose-built mobile dental trucks and Dental Clinics in partnership with Omeo District Health.

Oral Health in SA/NT

Providing regular ‘fly-in’ clinics with state-of-the-art mobile dental equipment. Our team provides dental care ranging from simple check-ups, x-rays and hygiene services through to fillings and extractions.

Oral Health in TAS

Delivering dental services via our team of dental professionals in a mobile dental setting providing various dental and oral services.

Oral Health in NSW/ACT

Providing a a range of dental services via a purpose-built dental van and fly-in fly-out clinics. Services are provided to rural and remote locations, including Wiluna, Warburton, Mingenew, Morawa and Perenjori.