Double the Smiles for Mackay

Thursday 8th Jan 2009 - by Bare Publicity

RAPIDLY growing listed dental group 1300SMILES (ONT) has doubled the size of its Mackay practice to meet the demands of the region’s soaring population.

The practice, located at 34 Sydney Street, is now one of the largest in Queensland after it expanded from four fitted-out surgery rooms to eight. The practice has an extra three rooms that will be fitted out to cater for future demand.

The practice employs more than 25 people, including dentists, hygienists, therapists, nurses and administration staff and provides a comprehensive range of dental services.

Mackay’s soaring population has already led to longer than normal waiting lists in the region.

This trend is set to continue with the Australian Bureau of Statistics forecasting that Mackay’s population will grow by nearly 60,000 people by 2026.

1300SMILES Mackay practice manager Tracey Taylor said the practice was being flooded with appointments.

“Without a doubt there has been a shortage of dentists in the Mackay region for quite some time,” said Ms Taylor.

“Since expanding our practice, customers have been able to see a dentist or other oral health professionals much sooner than they could before.

“Along with increasing our facilities, we have had to recruit dental professionals from around Australia because there is such a shortage in regional areas.”

Ms Taylor said the practice was helping to support the growth of the region’s mining industry.

“Long waiting lists can be detrimental to the people’s oral health,” said Ms Taylor.

“A lot of people get turned off the idea of visiting a dentist because the wait is too long.

“But with more dentists and better facilities we know that we can help to improve the level of oral health in the Mackay region.”

1300SMILES operates multi-dentist facilities in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Caloundra, Brisbane, Toowoomba and on the Gold Coast at Tweed Heads.

1300SMILES managing director Dr Daryl Holmes said the company had expanded its practices, services and staff rapidly over the past 18 months.

Dr Holmes said was looking to continue its expansion and announce new practice acquisitions before the end of the financial year.

1300SMILES share price has tripled from 80c to more than $2.65 since listing on the Australian Stock Exchange in March 2005.