21 September 2007

People in Tenterfield will have improved access to dental services with  confirmation that a private dentist will commence a two day a week service from Tenterfield Health Service (physically located in the  Tenterfield Hospital Clinics building).

Dr Jonathon Lennard officially notified the health service he will commence on Monday 8 October 2007.

Hunter New England Health’s Tablelands Cluster Manager, Wendy Mulligan, said Dr Lennard’s arrival in Tenterfield is wonderful news for the local community.

“We have had a dental clinic set up for a couple of years now in Tenterfield, to support a private dentist wishing to lease these premises.

“Despite our ongoing efforts to attract a private dentist, it seemed there were no dentists willing to come. That is until Dr Lennard arrived out of the blue. He approached us wanting to establish a service in Tenterfield after having worked in similar rural communities.

“While he will be private dentist, Dr Lennard has assured the health service that he will keep his services affordable.

“This private dentist will assist with public dental services, by agreeing to see eligible public patients under the emergency voucher system,” she said.

Hunter New England Health will continue to provide its regular children’s dental services to the Tenterfield community.

Ms Mulligan said Hunter New England Health’s focus continues to be in working in partnership with local communities, beyond the dental clinic setting, in promoting good oral health education. 

She is pleased that the new private dental service and Hunter New England Health’s oral health services will complement each other to provide a better service for the Tenterfield community.

Contact: Kay Cope

Phone: 6776 9817