The arrival of two new mobile dental clinics at the West Coast District Health Board will provide improved oral health services to students of rural West Coast schools. A greater emphasis on prevention and education is the core of the new service.

The mobile clinics, which were blessed in a short ceremony at Grey Base Hospital this week, will result in higher quality care in rural settings as they are equipped with modern equipment such as digital x-ray which will mean better diagnosis and treatment can be provided.

Improving access to dental health services is part of the Ministry of Health's 'Good oral health for all, for life' national oral health strategy that sees a move away from every school having a dental clinic to upgraded purpose built clinics and mobile facilities.

Parents will be encouraged to accompany their children to the appointments and be actively involved in decisions about their children's care, just like they would be going to the doctor.

Principal Dental Officer of the West Coast District Health Board's Oral Health Service, Martin Lee said, "There are significant clinical benefits to families being involved in their child's oral health, and parents play an important role in preventing the need for fillings and extractions."

A benefit of this is that parental consent can be given on the spot and some preventative actions and minor treatments can be completed in a single visit, saving time out of school and health resources. It also allows dental therapists to talk to parents and carers about risk factors for poor oral health and what they can do to prevent tooth decay.