A new public dental clinic now under construction in Kogarah will bring together free dental services under one roof and increase capacity.
The new Kogarah Community Dental Clinic will be located in a former council building at 2 Belgrave Street, Kogarah, and is set to open early next year.
It is part of South Eastern Sydney Local Health District's (SESLHD) Oral Health Service.
SESLHD population and community health director Marianne Gale said the new clinic would provide the community with improved access to high-quality public dental care.
"The new clinic will deliver modern, multidisciplinary care to eligible residents of South Eastern Sydney Local Health District," Dr Gale said.
"Services will include general, preventive and urgent dental care, improved access to some specialist services, community education programs and outreach."
She said eight dental chairs currently spread across three smaller clinics in the St George area would be brought together while four extra dental chairs would be created, bringing the clinic's total capacity to 12.
The existing clinics, which are located at Bond Street, Hurstville, (adult), and Rockdale and Hurstville public schools (child clinics) will close once the new clinic opens.
Dr Gale said good oral health was very important for general health.
"Access to dental care, together with oral health education, are essential steps in improving the oral health of our community," Dr Gale said.
"We are really excited to be able to deliver public dental care for the local community in a new, modern facility."
Dental services are provided free to community members who reside within the local health district and meet eligibility criteria.
This includes children up to the age of 18 who are eligible for Medicare and adults who are eligible for Medicare and have a valid Australian government concession card.
Details: Phone the Oral Health Central Intake Centre on 1300 134 226 or email SESLHD-OralHealthMail@health.nsw.gov.au.
