Mobile Community Dental Program
Bringing Preventive Oral Health Care to Schools, Childcare and Community Organisations
Bringing preventive oral healthcare to schools, childcare centres and community organisations.
Greenbank Family Dental's Mobile Community Dental Program brings preventive oral healthcare, oral health education and appropriate dental services to schools, childcare centres and senior communities throughout Greenbank, Logan and surrounding communities.
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Delivered through our purpose-built mobile clinic and supported by our permanent Greenbank practice, the program is designed around professional care, thoughtful community partnerships and continuity of care whenever further support is needed.
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We believe healthier communities begin with healthy smiles.
Inside Greenbank Family Dental's Mobile Community Dental Clinic – a purpose-built treatment room bringing professional preventive dental care directly to schools, childcare centres and community organisations across Greenbank, Logan and surrounding communities.
Why We Created This Program
A question has continued to shape our thinking at Greenbank Family Dental:
How do we help more people before they ever become patients?
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Too often, families first seek dental care when discomfort, decay or another concern has already developed. We believe there is an opportunity to reach people earlier—through education, prevention and trusted partnerships within the places where families already gather.
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Our Mobile Community Dental Program is one part of that commitment.
It allows our team to work beyond the walls of our practice and alongside schools, childcare centres and community organisations to support stronger oral health awareness and make appropriate care more accessible.
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This program grew from reflection, but its purpose is action: helping create healthier habits, earlier intervention and stronger connections between families and ongoing dental care.
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Our Community Oral Health Philosophy
Community oral health is about more than bringing dental equipment to a new location.
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It is about helping people understand their oral health, recognise concerns earlier and feel confident accessing appropriate care.
Our approach is built around four connected principles:
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Prevention
Supporting healthy habits and identifying concerns before they become more complex.
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Education
Sharing practical, age-appropriate oral health information with children, families and educators.
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Access
Bringing appropriate services closer to the communities we serve.
Continuity
Ensuring families have a clear pathway to ongoing care when follow-up or further treatment is recommended.
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The Australian Dental Association notes that mobile dental services require careful planning to deliver safe, quality care while supporting continuity of care and regular attendance. Our program is supported by a permanent dental home at Greenbank Family Dental, allowing records, referrals and ongoing care to remain connected when needed.
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How the Program Works
Each partnership will be planned with the participating organisation to reflect its community, facilities and practical needs.
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1. Initial conversation
We meet with the school, childcare centre or organisation to understand its community, available space, preferred timing and desired level of participation.
2. Parent and carer communication
Families receive clear information about the program, consent requirements, proposed services and any applicable fees or benefit arrangements.
3. Eligibility and appointment coordination
Where the Child Dental Benefits Schedule may apply, eligibility and available benefit balances can be checked before care is provided. Eligibility is determined by Services Australia and may vary between children and calendar years.
4. Mobile clinic visit
Our purpose-built mobile dental clinic attends the agreed location, with appointments coordinated to minimise disruption to normal activities.
5. Findings and communication
Parents or carers are informed of relevant findings and any recommendations arising from the visit.
6. Follow-up when needed
Where further assessment or treatment is recommended, families can choose where they receive that care. Greenbank Family Dental can provide a connected pathway through our permanent practice, while respecting each family’s freedom to select their preferred provider.
Partnering With Schools
Schools are trusted centres of learning, connection and family life.
Our aim is to support schools with a program that is organised, respectful of teaching time and straightforward for staff and families.
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A school partnership may include:
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oral health education and preventive activities
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parent and carer information
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coordinated mobile dental appointments
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Child Dental Benefits Schedule eligibility checking where applicable
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clear consent and communication processes
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reporting or de-identified program insights where agreed
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referral pathways for children requiring further care
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involvement from our educational ambassadors, including Captain Clean Tooth™
The precise scope of each visit will be agreed with the school before the program begins.
Designed to reduce the administrative burden
Our team can coordinate family communication, digital forms, appointment scheduling and eligibility checks directly with parents and carers.
The school remains an important community partner, but it should not need to become a dental administration office.
Partnering With Childcare Centres
Early childhood is one of the most valuable times to establish positive oral health habits.
Through our existing childcare relationships, we have seen how effectively playful education, familiar environments and trusted educators can help children develop confidence around dental care.
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A childcare partnership may include:
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age-appropriate oral health education
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brushing and nutrition conversations
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Captain Clean Tooth™ activities
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information and resources for families
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optional mobile dental services where clinically and operationally appropriate
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clear pathways to Greenbank Family Dental for families seeking further advice or care
Our objective is to make oral health feel understandable, positive and familiar—well before a child develops fear or discomfort.
Partnering With Aged Care and Senior Living Communities
Oral health remains important at every stage of life.
For older people, changes in mobility, health, medication, dexterity and access to transport can make regular dental care more difficult. These barriers can affect comfort, nutrition, communication and general wellbeing.
Greenbank Family Dental welcomes conversations with aged care providers, retirement villages and senior living communities about appropriate ways to support their residents.
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Depending on the needs of the community and the clinical suitability of the mobile setting, a partnership may include:
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oral health education for residents, families and carers
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preventive dental assessments
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support with recognising common oral health concerns
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guidance around dentures, dry mouth and daily oral hygiene
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mobile dental services where clinically and operationally appropriate
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referral and follow-up pathways through Greenbank Family Dental
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collaboration with care teams and authorised decision-makers
Every partnership would be planned carefully around resident consent, medical history, mobility, clinical complexity and the capabilities of the mobile clinic.
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The aim is not simply to bring treatment closer. It is to help older people remain connected to appropriate, ongoing oral healthcare.
Built Around Continuity of Care
A mobile clinic should never leave families wondering what happens next.
Greenbank Family Dental’s mobile clinic is an extension of an established permanent dental practice—not a disconnected visiting service.
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When further assessment or treatment is recommended, families can access:
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clear information about the findings
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secure continuity of clinical records
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referral or follow-up guidance
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appointments through our permanent Greenbank practice if they choose
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ongoing preventive care and recall pathways
This model supports the continuity principles identified by the Australian Dental Association for mobile
Professional Standards and Clinical Governance
Our Mobile Community Dental Program is being developed to reflect the same commitment to professional care, safety and patient wellbeing that guides Greenbank Family Dental’s permanent practice.
The program will operate with appropriate requirements relating to:
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registered dental practitioners
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informed consent
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privacy and secure clinical records
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infection prevention and control
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professional indemnity arrangements
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Queensland radiation licensing where dental radiography is provided
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relevant working-with-children requirements
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emergency planning and clinical governance
Dental practitioners in Australia are regulated through Ahpra and the Dental Board of Australia. Queensland also requires the relevant licence before a dental radiation service can be performed.
Understanding the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
Some eligible children may be able to access dental services through the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Eligibility is determined by Services Australia and generally depends on the child’s age, Medicare eligibility and receipt of an eligible government payment by the child or their family. Available balances and covered services should be confirmed for each participating child.
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Where Greenbank Family Dental agrees to bulk bill eligible services, families will receive information about:
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confirmed eligibility
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the proposed services
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the available CDBS balance
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any applicable limits or restrictions
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consent and billing arrangements
Not every child is eligible for CDBS, and not every dental service is covered. Options for children who are not eligible will be explained clearly before an appointment is confirmed.
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Healthy Smiles. Healthy Forests.
Our commitment to healthier communities also includes our responsibility to the environment.
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Through Greenbank Family Dental’s established Healthy Smiles. Healthy Forests. initiative, we support native tree planting connected to selected patient and community programs.
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As the Mobile Community Dental Program develops, we intend to create meaningful ways for participating schools, childcare centres and community organisations to share in this environmental impact.
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This may include:
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trees linked to participating children or program milestones
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community impact updates
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school or centre recognition
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educational conversations connecting personal health with environmental health
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Community Oral Health Resource Library
One of Greenbank Family Dental's commitments is to make reliable oral health information freely available to our community.
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Our Family Dental 101 library has been created to answer common questions from parents, carers and families using practical, evidence-informed information written in plain English.
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Whether you're supporting young children, teenagers or older family members, these resources are available to everyone.
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Explore the Community Oral Health Resource Library →
​Featured Resources
For Schools
Understanding children's oral health and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
For Parents
Why Prevention Matters
Helping children develop healthy smiles from an early age.
For Families
Getting the Most from CDBS
A practical guide to understanding eligibility and making the most of available benefits.
For Educators
Family Dental 101
Browse our growing collection of oral health articles designed to answer the questions families ask most often.
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Let's Build Healthier Communities Together
Healthy communities are created through strong relationships, shared purpose and a commitment to caring for one another.
We'd love to learn more about your organisation, hear about your community and explore how our Mobile Community Dental Program may help create healthier smiles and brighter futures together.
Every partnership begins with a conversation, and every conversation begins with listening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a Community Partnership
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Can schools partner with Greenbank Family Dental's Mobile Community Dental Program?
Yes. We welcome conversations with schools interested in supporting their students' oral health. Every partnership is planned with the school to reflect its timetable, facilities and community needs. Our aim is to provide an organised program that supports students while respecting teaching time and minimising administrative workload.
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Can childcare centres participate?
Yes. Childcare centres can partner with Greenbank Family Dental to provide age-appropriate oral health education, resources for families and, where clinically and operationally appropriate, mobile dental services. Our program builds on the trusted relationships children already have with their educators, helping make oral health feel familiar and positive from an early age.
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Do you work with aged care and senior living communities?
Yes. We work with aged care providers, retirement villages and senior living communities to support residents through oral health education, preventive care and appropriate referral pathways. Every partnership is planned around the needs of the community and the clinical requirements of providing safe, professional care.
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How does a school or community organisation get started?
Every partnership begins with a conversation. We'll learn about your organisation, discuss your goals, understand your facilities and explore how our Mobile Community Dental Program may best support your community. Together we'll develop a program that reflects your timetable, facilities and the needs of the people you support.
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How much notice do you need?
We generally begin planning around one month before the scheduled visit. This allows time for parent communication, consent forms, CDBS eligibility checks, appointment scheduling and information sessions where appropriate. Bookings typically close five working days before the clinic arrives, with any remaining appointments managed according to availability.
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How long will the Mobile Community Dental Clinic stay?
Most visits are planned for around two weeks, although every partnership is tailored to the number of participating families. Some organisations may only require a few days, while larger schools or communities may benefit from longer visits or multiple visits throughout the year.
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Can we schedule more than one visit each year?
Absolutely. Many organisations choose to schedule multiple visits to support regular six-month dental check-ups, accommodate larger student populations or provide ongoing access throughout the year.
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Do you return each year?
Yes. Our goal is to build long-term partnerships. The timing and frequency of future visits are planned collaboratively with each organisation to best support its community.
About the Mobile Dental Clinic
What facilities does the Mobile Community Dental Clinic require?
Our purpose-built mobile dental clinic is approximately 10 metres long and is towed to each location. Ideally, we have access to suitable parking, power and water. Where services are unavailable, the clinic can also operate independently using its onboard systems, subject to operational requirements discussed during the planning stage.
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How many children can you see each day?
Appointment capacity depends on the types of appointments being provided. Preventive appointments generally range from around 20 minutes for younger children to approximately 30 minutes for older children. During the planning process, we'll discuss expected participation and develop a schedule that best suits your community.
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What if we have 1300 students?
Large schools are planned well in advance. We'll work with the school to estimate participation, develop appointment schedules and determine whether a longer visit or multiple visits would best meet the needs of students and families.
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What if only 40 families register?
Every visit is tailored to demand. If around 40 children participate, the program may only require a couple of days on site. Our flexible scheduling allows each visit to reflect the needs of the community.
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Bookings and Parent Information
How do bookings work?
Approximately one month before the visit, families receive access to a secure online consent form through a QR code and supporting communication provided by the school or organisation. This allows our team to confirm eligibility, schedule appointments and communicate directly with parents before the clinic arrives.
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How is Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) eligibility confirmed?
When families complete the consent form, our team checks CDBS eligibility and available benefits before appointments are confirmed. Parents receive clear information about eligibility and any applicable fees before treatment proceeds.
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What if my child isn't eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Children who are not eligible for CDBS are still welcome to participate. Parents will receive information about the standard fees for preventive dental care and may choose to prepay before the appointment. If any further treatment is recommended, our team will discuss the available options with parents before proceeding.
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Do you provide information sessions for parents?
Yes. Where appropriate, we can offer parent information sessions, either in person or online, before the clinic arrives. These sessions provide an opportunity to explain the program, answer questions and introduce families to the Greenbank Family Dental team.
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Who manages communication with parents and carers?
Our team coordinates communication directly with families, including consent forms, appointment scheduling, CDBS eligibility, reminders and any follow-up information. This allows participating organisations to focus on supporting their community while we manage the dental administration.
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During and After the Visit
Can children receive treatment through the Mobile Community Dental Program?
Where clinically appropriate, children may receive preventive dental care and selected treatments through the mobile clinic. If further treatment is recommended, parents receive clear information and can choose how they would like to proceed.
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Can parents attend their child's appointment?
Absolutely. We welcome parental involvement. Where scheduling allows, after-school appointments provide an excellent opportunity for parents to attend alongside their child, meet the clinical team and participate in discussions about their child's oral health.
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What if my child is away when the clinic visits?
We understand that families travel and children occasionally miss school. Because Greenbank Family Dental is a permanent part of the local community, children who miss the mobile clinic can simply attend our Greenbank practice to receive the same professional care. Our goal is to make accessing oral health care as convenient and flexible as possible for local families.
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What information do parents receive after their child's appointment?
Every child receives a summary of their visit to take home. For younger children, this may include our child-friendly Captain Clean Tooth Smile Report, providing an easy-to-understand summary of the examination, preventive care provided and any recommended next steps. Where further care is suggested, parents receive additional information and can discuss the available options with our team.
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Can follow-up treatment be completed while the clinic is still on site?
Where appropriate and scheduling allows, follow-up treatments such as fissure sealants, preventive care and selected restorative procedures may be completed while the clinic remains on site. This helps families access care conveniently while reducing the need for additional appointments.
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Can parents or siblings also book appointments?
Yes. Depending on availability, after-school appointments may be available for siblings and parents who would also like to access dental care. As a local family dental practice, we're pleased to support the oral health of the entire family.
About Greenbank Family Dental
How is the Mobile Community Dental Program connected to Greenbank Family Dental?
The Mobile Community Dental Program is an extension of Greenbank Family Dental's commitment to preventive oral health and community partnerships. It is supported by our permanent dental practice, providing continuity of care, clinical governance and ongoing support whenever further care is appropriate.
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Why has Greenbank Family Dental invested in a Mobile Community Dental Program?
We believe healthier communities begin with healthy habits, early education and trusted relationships. By working alongside schools, childcare centres, aged care providers and community organisations, we can encourage lifelong oral health, improve access to preventive care and support families closer to home. The Mobile Community Dental Program reflects our long-term commitment to creating healthier smiles, healthier communities and lasting partnerships.
The Journey Behind Our Mobile Community Dental Program
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Every community program has a story, and ours began with a simple belief: healthier communities are built through prevention, education and trusted relationships.
When the opportunity arose to continue the journey of a purpose-built mobile dental clinic that had previously served Queensland communities through the respected Tooth Fairy program, we saw more than a mobile clinic. We saw an opportunity to build on an established legacy while creating something uniquely Greenbank Family Dental.
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Over time, the clinic has been thoughtfully reimagined to reflect our philosophy of prevention, education, access and continuity of care. Today, it forms part of Greenbank Family Dental's broader Community Oral Health Program, supporting schools, childcare centres, aged care communities and local families throughout Greenbank, Logan and surrounding communities.
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The mobile clinic allows us to take professional oral health care into the community, while our permanent Greenbank practice provides ongoing support whenever families need it. Together, they create a connected model of care that encourages healthy habits, supports early intervention and builds lasting relationships with the communities we serve.
While the mobile clinic has a proud history, its next chapter is dedicated to creating healthier smiles, healthier communities and brighter futures—one partnership, one family and one smile at a time.