Screaming kids are not her favourite part of the job, but Ariane Murray is passionate about children’s dental health.
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Having studied at Charles Sturt University she’s keen to work in regional communities.
During her degree she volunteered with the Royal Flying Doctor Dental Service. Based in Dubbo, dentists fly to regional communities such as Bourke and Lightning Ridge, open the clinic up for a day to provide the town’s only dental service.
Having worked in Braidwood for about a month, Dr Murray is getting used to the town. As she grew up in Canberra and Bungendore, and now lives in Queanbeyan, the area is familiar to her.
She enjoys working in small communities, saying she likes to know and treat whole families. Working in a town like Braidwood has “a more personal feel,” than a larger city.
Small town practise has its challenges though.“You’ve got to really think on your feel,” says Dr Murray, explaining that where in a large town you might refer a problem on, in Braidwood it’s just her and Brad Horwood at the surgery.
Dentistry was “a good way to combine medicine and helping people” for Dr Murray, who originally planned to be a vet. She enjoys the range of skills that it requires, mixing scientific analysis, medical skills and a knack with kids.
“The thing that I’m very passionate about is children’s teeth,” says Dr Murray. While Braidwood’s teeth aren’t in too bad a state, she sees lots of kids affected by tooth decay, a huge problem Australia wide.
A healthy diet is key, says Dr Murray, explaining that while lollies, chips and fizzy drinks are cheap snacks, cavities can hit the hip pocket hard in the long term.
Dr Murray treats all children at Braidwood Dental Practice and bulk bills to the Medicare Child Dental Benefit Scheme. She is available every Thursday.