The roll out of digital technology is enhancing the care provided in our mobile dental and adult clinics across Metro North.

The introduction of digital technology across general and children’s dental clinics is helping improve treatment and enhance real time access to specialist care.

Former Metro North Oral Health Services Director Operations Sarah Asmussen said we have rolled out digital capturing and assessment technology into six General Practice Dental Clinics and seven Child and Adolescent Dental Clinics across Metro North.

“The use of digital radiography is increasing the speed of consults and our ability to diagnose more complex problems,” she said.

“We now have enhanced capability to view electronic x-rays in real time and across any Metro North Oral Health Clinic to support improved patient outcomes and experiences.”

Sarah said if a child was being treated in a clinic or in a mobile dental clinic at a school, they could now be referred by the treating Oral Health/Dental Therapist, to a Dental Officer at another clinic to view the x-ray remotely and advise treatment planning.

“Digital capability is reducing the number of appointments to complete treatment and there is less impact on the family and patient from a time and travel perspective,” she said.

The digital technology rollout began in early 2020, following a broader telecommunications upgrade of the mobile Next G Network which allowed for better coverage across the service.

The upgrades have included General Practice Oral Health clinics at Redcliffe, Caboolture, Sandgate, Pine Rivers and Stafford and Child and Adolescent Dental Clinic at schools across Moreton Bay.

The rollout of digital technology was the result of a partnership between Oral Health, Biomedical Technology Services and eHealth Digital Radiography.

Sarah said the roll out was continuing with the mobile dental fleet and Woodford Correctional Centre.