More dentistry and oral health students living in and around Bendigo can now access the very best equipment and education closer to home - thanks to major facility upgrades at La Trobe University.
Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan today joined students and staff to open La Trobe University's Rural Dentistry and Oral Health Clinical School in the heart of Bendigo.
The new facility features 82 simulation workstations and 16 dental chairs, as well as new advanced radiology and digital denture-making equipment - ensuring more students have the best facilities and lab spaces they need to learn in before they graduate.
Last year, nearly 80 per cent of La Trobe's dentistry students were from regional Victoria, compared to just 13 per cent in 2019.
Regional enrollments are set to grow even further, with La Trobe expecting a 58 per cent increase in dentistry and oral health enrolments in Bendigo by 2030 - an additional 50 to 55 dentistry and oral health students are set to graduate annually from 2030.
The Allan Labor Government has invested more than $30 million in six La Trobe University projects including $2.5 million to deliver research labs at the Bendigo campus as well as telehealth training and clinical facilities in Bendigo and Bundoora.
The redevelopment is part of the University's $170 million health innovation investment across all Victorian campuses to strengthen health education facilities and deliver high-quality care to communities.
As stated by Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"This state-of-the-art facility in Bendigo will mean regional students can access world-class dental education close to home - helping to build the workforce we need, where it's needed."
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"It's great to see more world-class facilities and learning opportunities opening in regional Victoria - because all Victorians deserve the chance to get the skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities of the future."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"This investment is a significant boost for Bendigo - giving our local students access to cutting-edge training and helping to grow a skilled workforce that meets the needs of our community."
As stated by La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell
"This facility will provide our students with a learning environment that mirrors real clinical practice, boosting their job readiness while also responding to significant community needs for qualified dental professionals across rural and regional Australia."
