Getting to the heart of good dental health

Having and a new on-site dental clinic for inpatients at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) is providing significant benefit for patients, especially cardiac patients prior to heart valve surgery

Good oral health is an important consideration for cardiac patients prior to heart valve surgery, which is why Metro North Health has opened an inpatient dental clinic at The Prince Charles Hospital.

General Practice Division Director of Oral Health Dr Christopher Butson said eliminating sources of infection in the mouth reduces the risk of a patient facing complications.

“In particular, good oral health practice can negate the risk of contracting a life-threatening infection such as infective endocarditis which can affect the inner lining and valves following heart surgery,” he said.

“Having a new on-site dental clinic for inpatients at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) is providing significant benefit for patients.

“Previously, TPCH inpatients had to travel off-site to receive urgent dental treatment, which was a complicated process and presented logistical challenges.”

TPCH Dental Clinic is currently open two days per week and is expected to expand to three days later this year.

The clinic is staffed by a highly skilled senior dentist, dental assistant and clinical nurse.

The clinic also supports inpatients requiring urgent dental care for a condition impacting on their medical treatment such as adult cystic fibrosis.

“We also look after mental health inpatients who are experiencing acute or chronic dental conditions and manage selected cases presenting to the emergency department.”

Since opening in December 2025, the clinic has treated around 100 hundred inpatients, with appointments tailored to individual needs.

For more details visit the Metro North Oral Health services website.