Braidwood Dental Practice opened in 2011 after receiving $274,539 in Federal Government funding under the National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program to help purchase dental equipment essential for the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients.

The practice’s two fully-equipped treatment rooms, two X-ray units and other specialist equipment mean hundreds of patients have been treated in Braidwood rather than having to travel long distances to see a dentist.

Five local staff members are employed there, and non-urgent patient appointments are solidly booked for two weeks in advance.

After a guided tour by dentist Brad Horwood, Dr Kelly said he was thrilled that the Government’s investments in Braidwood were having tangible health benefits for the community.

“Brad and his team have made great use of the Federal Government funding in this practice,” Dr Kelly said.

“I am very proud of our investment in this town – on top of the $550,000 our Government has committed to the Rural Doctors Network in Braidwood, this funding means people no longer have to travel to Moruya or Canberra for dental treatment.

“We know that regional, rural and remote health infrastructure is a vital component of drawing health professionals to towns like Braidwood, and to attracting and retaining new residents.

“It is such a special area, and to have a facility like this run by people like Brad and his staff is a major boost for those who live here.”

Dr Kelly said the rollout of the National Broadband Network would further improve health services in Braidwood, as patients benefited from cutting edge technology made possible by faster internet speeds.

“Braidwood may be classified as an outer regional area, with a population of around 1500 people, but the Federal Government’s commitment to regional areas means its residents are now getting the first-class medical services they deserve,” Dr Kelly said.