Balibó Dental Clinic
The Balibo Dental Clinic was officially opened on 24 August 2016 by former President HE Jose Ramos Horta. The Clinic strives to improve the oral health of the local population by providing access to dental treatment, community education and prevention programs. There are very few dentists in Timor Leste, most of whom are located in Dili. As there are no dentists located in Balibó and a limited dental service available in Maliana, the Trust saw an important need for a dental clinic in Balibo.
The Balibó Dental Clinic is staffed by volunteer dentists from Australia who are registered with the Australian Dental Board. Dentists stay at the Balibó Fort Hotel and cover their own costs for accommodation, transport and food. Dependent on volunteer availability, the clinic operates approximately four to five times a year. The first clinic on 24 August and was run by Australian volunteer dentist Dr David Bladen.
The clinic also employs two Timorese dental assistants to assist the dentists and help with translation. The assistants gain valuable work experience and also help deliver the oral health preventative and education programs in the community.
The project was pioneered by the Balibo House Trust in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Keilor and Port Melbourne to construct and equip the Clinic. The Trust has also been supported by the Rotary Clubs of Packenham, Carlton and Berwick as well as Rotary International, and has received invaluable financial support from the Victorian Health Department, Peter and Ruth McMullin and Ellerston Capital. We have received in kind support from Dental Health Services Victoria.
The Trust welcomes support for the dental clinic through financial donations, equipment donations or volunteers who work in the dental industry.
For further information or if you are interested in supporting this program please email;
or call
Terry Bracks
Executive Officer
0417 015 412