The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) is set to host Pearly Dental and their visiting dental van this September, bringing essential oral healthcare directly to local families. On September 7th and 10th, the mobile clinic will be stationed at HBNC, offering free dental services for eligible children and highly subsidised care for others, ensuring no child in the community has to miss out on a healthy smile.

The initiative is primarily geared toward children eligible for the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) through Medicare. Under this scheme, eligible children can receive a range of essential services at no out-of-pocket cost. If you are unsure if you qualify please contact Pearly Dental on; 

 1300 130 131

However, in line with HBNC’s commitment to absolute inclusivity, the programme has been extended to ensure support for families who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the healthcare system. Children aged 0 to 15 who do not qualify for the Medicare benefits can still access the van's services for a significantly reduced, flat fee of just $99.

HBNC Deputy CEO Elizabeth Sturgess said the initiative is all about removing barriers to essential healthcare.

"We know that dental health is vital to a child's overall wellbeing, but the cost can be a real struggle for many households right now. By bringing this service directly to HBNC, we are making it easier, more affordable, and less intimidating for families to look after their little ones' teeth."

Community organisers highlight that this reduced rate is a fantastic opportunity for local migrant families and newcomers who may not yet have full Medicare access but need affordable, high-quality dental care for their kids.

Education Beyond the Chair

In addition to clinical check-ups and treatments, the visit will focus heavily on preventative care. The visiting team from Pearly Dental will be hosting interactive dental education sessions in the Phoenix Room at HBNC across both days. These sessions are designed to teach children healthy brushing habits and the importance of oral hygiene in a fun, engaging, and non-judgmental environment.

Open to the Whole Community

This initiative is completely open to the public. Children and their families do not need to be existing clients of HBNC or registered in any specific pocket of the organisation to participate. Whether a family is connected to HBNC through the Comfort Kitchen, youth programmes, or has never walked through the doors before, everyone is welcome to book a spot.

How to Sign Up

Parents and guardians have two easy ways to secure an appointment for their children:

• Digital Sign-Up: Families can scan the QR code located on the event posters displayed around the centre to register digitally online. - https://pearly.au/child-dental-care/  
• Paper Sign-Up: Hardcopy sign-up forms are available at HBNC. If opting for a paper form, parents are kindly asked to write their preferred date (September 7th or 10th) clearly at the top of the page before returning it.

Spaces are limited, so local families are encouraged to act quickly to secure a convenient time slot for this vital community health initiative.

We are incredibly grateful to the team at Pearly for bringing this initiative to HBNC. If you are interested in learning more about Oral Care for your children, they have a range of resources available on their website. You can view them here at;
Pearly Parent & Child Resources