Bluey brushes and bright smiles at CQU outreach

By Tiahna Fiddling

CQUniversity students recently provided oral health care to children aged four to five years old at Tarumbal C&K Kindergarten in Rockhampton.

Run as part of CQU’s Community Dental Outreach Clinic, the initiative aimed to bring preventive care and oral health education directly into early childhood settings — strengthening community connections and promoting lifelong oral health habits.

Under the supervision of CQU academic Dr Narelle Eckersley, third-year Bachelor of Oral Health students, Chungta Ghale, Ella Dalgliesh and Sophie Dang, performed screenings and identified dental needs, ensuring follow-up pathways to care.

The students transformed a small area of the kindergarten into a mini dental clinic, with a mobile dental chair, a portable dental unit, and essential instruments and materials.

The visit focused on screening each child’s oral health, including a gentle examination of soft tissues, counting their teeth, checking for any signs of decay, followed by a full-mouth polish and fluoride treatment. The examination was followed with the children receiving their own Bluey-themed toothbrushes.

The CQU students said the experience provided valuable learning opportunities, helping them build confidence in paediatric dental care.

“Tarumbal Kindergarten is such a beautiful space for early learning and was a welcoming environment for the students to set up and connect with the children in a calm and safe setting,” Ella said. 

Being able to provide care in a familiar and welcoming environment also helped the team connect with the children in a meaningful way.

Chungta praised the opportunity to engage and provide dental care in a relaxed and safe environment.

“After each oral examination the children simply hopped off the chair and continued on with their adventures at Kindy,” she said.

“Reinforcing these positive experiences will have a lasting impact, fostering the development of lifelong dental care”.