HBF Dental Joondalup is among 10 Perth clinics now providing free dental care to vulnerable West Australians through a new community care program, run in partnership with the Australian Dental Association’s Dental Health Foundation.
Patients are being referred through local community organisations and the ADA Dental Health Foundation to the 10 HBF clinics, where dentists are volunteering their time and expertise to ensure the program reaches those facing significant financial or social hardship.
The first patients are already receiving treatment at HBF Dental’s Joondalup, Morley, Midland, and Belmont practices.
The dental clinic covers the cost of materials, lab fees, and support staff, removing any out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
“By removing cost as a barrier, we’re helping people access treatment that can relieve pain, restore confidence, and improve overall health,” Dr Daniel Heredia, group executive of insurance and health services at HBF said.
HBF’s collaboration with the ADA Dental Health Foundation is part of a national program providing pro bono dental treatment to disadvantaged members of the community, which it is looking to expand by partnering with more community organisations across the state.
Chairman of the ADA Dental Health Foundation, Dr Richard Olive, believes participating dentists are making a huge difference to people’s lives.
“These people may have been impacted by domestic violence. They might be homeless or someone without a Health Care Card or an asylum seeker,” Dr Olive said.
“Unfortunately, when you fall into one of those groups, often it’s your oral health that isn’t maintained.
“But once you get people able to smile and socialise and able to get a job, their lives take an entirely different path.”
The original version of this story was first published in Perth Now.
