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.
The Balibó Dental Clinic employs a Timorese dentist Dr Octavia, a dental nurse Sidonia and a dental assistant Manuel. We also have volunteer dentists from Australia and Singapore. Dentists stay at the Balibó Fort Hotel and cover their own costs for accommodation, transport and food. These overseas volunteers provide their clinical expertise to provide treatment and also on the job professional development for our local dental practitioners.
The clinic also runs an outreach oral health program called Kose Nehan to local and remote schools and communities.
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 received in kind and financial support from Dental Health Services Victoria who also assist with maintenance of our equipment.
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