See full article: http://www.caboolturenews.com.au/news/biting-the-bullet-for-dental-health/1900349/
Biting the bullet for dental health
Lauren Grounsell, 9th Jun 2013 8:37 AM
WITH their 1971 Ford Falcon ute reinforced for brutal conditions, Jenny Manning and Denis McFadden were ready for their gruelling outback adventure.
For 14 years the duo has taken part in the Flying Doctor Outback Car Trek fundraiser.
Over seven days, more than 300 dedicated fundraisers travelled 3300km in pre-1978 cars on a journey made extra special as the Royal Flying Doctor Service celebrated its 85th anniversary this year.
The trek from Bathurst to the Palmer Coolum Resort may be tough, but teams were driven on by the fact dental health care in outback communities is tougher.
Ms Manning said she had seen the struggle to get access to health care services in the west, but the spirit of each community they visited on the trek was far from broken.
After meeting the locals and hearing their stories, she said the communities were uplifted and willing to help the cause for the benefit of their town.
The Outback Trek has raised more than $1 million so far this year, with money raised used to support The Outback Oral Treatment and Health program.
RFDS dentist Dr Callum Addison said the most urgent problem was pain management.
"Most Australians living in cities would be unaware of the poor dental standards in outback Australia," he said.
"We've had patients who have put up with pain for years and on rare occasions have even resorted to pulling out their own teeth."
Event organiser Bill Patrick said the Sunshine Coast's climate made it the perfect place to end the week-long adventure.