Dental Clinic update
What’s the best time to visit the dentist? Well, it’s anytime that’s not 2:30! The Light Square Common Ground Dental Clinic was originally opened to service Common Ground residents; however, is now available to all Housing Choices SA residents. There is no cost for the service. It’s a welcoming, understanding clinic with a team of dentists who want to help and make a difference. How to get an appointment You can call 8205 1618 to speak to Amanda Drewer. Amanda has been working at the clinic for more than 8 years and loves working with residents and dental staff to get great outcomes. You can also ask your housing officer or support worker to refer you on to Amanda by email. The clinic is open Monday to Friday and is closed on every second Wednesday . What kinds of treatments can I expect? The dental clinic provides examinations, cleaning, dental health education, fillings, extractions and on a case-by-case basis can provide root canal treatment. The clinic also has a volunteer oral surgeon and special needs dentist.
Farewell Margie Steffens! Margie Steffens OAM (above left) who was the driving force behind the Light Square Common Ground Dental Clinic since
Meet Dr Harry With Margie Steffens’ retirement, Dr Harry Perkins (above right) will lead dental care at the clinic. Dr Harry is excited to treat patients, wrangle fifth year volunteer dental students and keep organising community donations to support the clinic, so it can run for many years to come. If you’re feeling a bit nervous about having dental work done, Dr Harry says the best thing you can do is simply tell the clinic staff! “Feel free to come have a chat and we can help explain and answer any questions you might have. There’s lot of ways we can try and make a patient more comfortable in the chair,” said Dr Harry. “During any visit, you’re in charge and we won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. But putting things off makes it harder and harder for both of us!” Dr Harry’s number one tip for avoiding unplanned visits to the dentist? “Brush the teeth you want to keep!” he said.
it began in September 2011 recently retired.
Margie secured the funding to begin the clinic and has managed its operations ever since. Margie also brought together a new governance team made up of The Australian Dental Association SA Branch, Adelaide University and Housing Choices South Australia to ensure the clinic serves the community - an incredible achievement. “I have so loved working with the residents, it has been wonderful to see people get their self-confidence back and put their trust in our care,” said Margie. Without her hard work and dedication, the clinic would not be where it is today and it’s safe to say, her presence will be missed by all – staff and residents alike. Thank you, Margie!
In 2021/2022 there were 70 visits to the dental clinic by Common Ground residents. Did you know?
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