Generous incentives offered to regional dental health professionals

• Regional dentists and dental therapists to receive generous financial incentives
• Significant funding allocated to allow new and existing regional dentists and dental therapy working in endorsed sites
• Aimed at improving oral health outcomes for people living in regional communities

The Cook Government has allocated $900,000 to help strengthen the capacity of dental services for people living in rural and remote Western Australia.

The package allows new and existing regional dentists and dental therapists to receive an incentive payment provided they are working in an endorsed site before 31 January 2025.

This significant investment is designed to attract and retain oral health professionals in rural and remote areas across WA.

Eligible dentists will receive up to:

• $17,000 in the Goldfields, Pilbara, Kimberley, and Mid West; and
• $11,000 in the South West, Great Southern and Wheatbelt.

Eligible dental therapists will receive up to:

• $10,000 in the Goldfields, Pilbara, Kimberley, and Mid West; and
• $6,000 in the South West, Great Southern and Wheatbelt.

The incentives will apply to dentists and dental therapists in eligible rural and remote locations.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"I'm pleased the Cook Labor Government is introducing incentives for dentists and dental therapists working in sites in regional WA.

"This incentive aims to support improved oral health outcomes in the regions by recruiting and retaining dental practitioners in the field.

"This will help deliver a skilled and sustainable workforce so the Western Australian community can continue to access world-class dental services, regardless of where they live."