AUT Dental Clinic Set to Expand
The Auckland University of Technology is expanding its dental clinic following increased demand for dental services.
The health clinic at the North Shore Campus is currently undergoing building work to create three more treatment units. Demand for the clinic’s services has increased as a result of a growing need for affordable dental care and an increase in student numbers on the Bachelor of Oral Health degree programme.
Oral health is extremely important and studies are consistently showing a strong link between poor oral health and an increase in the risk of serious medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and strokes. Naomi Heap, manager of AUT’s Akoranga Integrated Health clinic, said that good oral health is indicative of good general health and helps to reduce the risk of life-threatening diseases.
AUT is one of two universities in New Zealand to offer an oral health programme and the only one that provides students with on-site learning and training resources, as students are encouraged to gain clinical experience and develop their practical and professional skills by treating patients under the supervision of qualified dentists. The clinic at the university provides hygiene treatments for adults and dental therapy for schoolchildren.
Mrs Heap said that once the work is complete, the facility will have 15 dental units and boast digital X-ray machines and state of the art equipment.
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