Learning new skills in Latrobe

In early October, our talented team once again took their skills on the road to provide surgical training in a regional setting.

Consultant Oral Surgeon Dr Krati Garg, OMFS Consultant Warren Crossley, and Dental Assistant Narelle Harvey conducted the surgical extraction course at Latrobe Community Health Service.

“We had eight dentists and six dental assistants attend the training,” said Krati.

“The enthusiasm of the participating clinicians and DAs – and the extended benefit to their regional patients – truly makes these sessions worth all the effort that is put in by Oral Health Victoria and the regional teams.”

The hands-on training provides regional clinicians with the opportunity to strengthen their surgical skills and provides patients with more opportunities to access specialist care closer to home.

Clinical Director Oral Health at Latrobe Community Health Service, Dr Felicia Valianatos, was pleased to welcome the team for the special training session.

“Thank you, Krati and OHV for making this training possible. Hands-on surgical training is hard to access in regional areas, where the need for extractions is high. Practising surgical extractions and biopsy techniques under oral surgeon supervision helped us refresh our skills and build confidence,” said Felicia.

“We really appreciated the time and preparation that went into the day, and you, Warren, and Narelle for giving up Saturday to work with our dentists and dental assistants.”

Oral Health Victoria proudly supports the professional development of these oral health professionals.

Since the pilot program last year, we have delivered regional training in Ballarat, Frankston, Bendigo, Wangaratta, and Latrobe. Stay tuned for more!