All smiles for Northern Rivers kids

NORTHERN Rivers children have easier access to dental care as the NSW Health Primary School Mobile Dental van, known locally as the Molar Patroller, hits the road.

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is visiting public primary schools across the region to reach children who may not live close to a dental clinic.

In 2024-25, the Primary School Mobile Dental Program treated 863 students from 30 schools

across the district, focusing on schools furthest away from NNSWLHD dental clinics.

NNSWLHD Oral Health manager Graeme Williams said the program was visiting smaller, more remote schools.

“Our team of experienced oral health therapists and dental therapists are trained to deliver care to children,” Williams said.

“They are providing fully comprehensive treatment in the Molar Patroller, performing everything from cleans to fillings, at no cost to parents or the school.”

The free service is expanding its outreach in mid-2026, with new funding recently announced as part of a $37.5 million NSW Government investment across the state.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the program was making it easier for children in the Northern Rivers to receive essential dental check-ups and treatments.

“Plans are now underway to expand the reach of this important service in the Northern Rivers with a second dental van in the pipeline

following additional funding announced in the Budget,”Park said.

Crystal Creek Public School teacher Olly Hughes said he was pleased to have been part of the initiative.

“It also gives parents and caregivers some brief respite in their ever-busy lives knowing their children have been seen by a dentist in school time,” Hughes said.

“It’s a crucial service that I hope returns.”

NSW residents under 18 can access free dental care provided by NSW Health at public dental clinics located in Goonellabah, Ballina, Byron Bay and Tweed Heads.

For more information, visit nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services/oralhealth