Community
25 August, 2025
Miles of smiles on road
New mobile van on Cassowary Coast to offer dental care to kids
Backed by a $185,000 investment, the van will deliver free general and emergency dental services to youth up to age 17 in Mission Beach, Murray Upper, Lower Tully, El Arish, Silkwood and Mena Creek.
The service includes routine check-ups, cleans, oral hygiene, dietary advice, fillings and extractions.
This new van capped off a week of celebrations for Dental Week from August 4-10 and marks a significant step forward for Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service’s (CHHHS) Oral Health program.
Oral health team leader Stephanie Wallace said the mobile clinic would bridge gaps in access for regional communities.
The mobile dental van was expected to make a positive difference, delivering quality dental services directly to communities where access to care can be challenging, Ms Wallace said.
“We are thrilled to expand our child and adolescent oral health service, ensuring children receive the care they need closer to home.”
A dedicated team of oral health professionals, including long-time dental therapist and outreach advocate Toni Mitchell will staff the van.
“These vans are a game-changer for reaching children in remote areas,” Ms Mitchell said. “It’s about making dental care accessible and stress-free for families.”
For appointments, please call 1300 300 850.
While the van will initially operate from Tully Hospital, plans are in place to extend visits to local schools in 2026, and schedule updates will be shared through school networks.
Read More: Cardwell, Innisfail, Mission Beach, Tully