Latest News 27 June 2019 | Counties Manukau residents will soon have access to low-cost treatment at a new dental facility on the grounds of the Manukau SuperClinic.
Construction is well underway for the $28.2 million teaching and treatment facility which is on target to be completed before the start of the academic year in 2020.
The facility is a partnership between the University of Otago and Counties Manukau Health (CM Health).
“We are really pleased with the progress, construction disruption has had minimal effect on patients and staff,” says Manukau SuperClinic Operations Manager Fleur Collins. “It will be fantastic to have this facility in the heart of our community to assist in improving oral health outcomes in our area”.
The two-storey, 32-chair building will offer teaching as well as low-cost treatment provided, under supervision, by students in their final year of their Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Otago.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Health Sciences Professor Paul Brunton says the new dental clinic aims to help meet high health needs, while providing students with wide-ranging learning opportunities in a diverse community that will increase their understanding of people from a range of backgrounds.
At any one time, 48 final-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery students will be assigned to the Counties Manukau facility.
Having an Auckland base in an area home to a large number of oral healthcare professionals will also make it easier for them to access continuing education opportunities.
The facility could help meet international demand for upskilling dentists as well, because Auckland is so accessible, Professor Brunton says.