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Dental work at Manaia school
“I’m the only dentist in the service so I see a lot of the country – the whole of the Waikato.’’ Dr Norris enjoys making a difference to people’s lives. “I feel really useful doing this.’’ The kids at Manaia seemed to really appreciate her work. “They were really excellent. Some of them were getting to that age where a smile is becoming more important to them, and some had lots of questions on tooth care. “And the older ones are getting near the end of eligibility for free dental care which stops at 18 years of age.’’ The service operates 15 mobile clinics in the Waikato DHB area – along with seven fixed clinics ¬-- and one of the newest vans was used at Manaia. Dr Norris loves working in them. “They are awesome, really great to work in with loads of room.’’ Staff and patients are well provided for, including a waiting room, complete with television, and a heat pump. Dr Norris pointed out rural areas like Manaia don’t have a fluoridated water supply, so advice around the use of fluoride toothpaste twice daily, flossing regularly and the importance of a healthy diet were reinforced with each child. “The experience was a very positive one for the dental staff and the patients, who were very receptive to the advice given and appreciative of the treatment received.’’ Visit Oral Health Services (Dental) for more information. ENDS Date: 20 September 2012 Contact: Simon Brandon Communications Consultant Waikato District Health Board 021 712 663 |
