Read how RACDS Membership (GDP) and Fellowship (GDP) Programs have assisted Dr Stevie Dilley in her role at the Royal Flying Doctor Services (RFDS)(Queensland Section).
Membership (MRACDS) or Fellowship (FRACDS)? Why Not both?
Whilst I was enjoying work, I was curious to learn more to keep improving care for my patients. As the saying goes, you don’t know what you don’t know.
I decided that the Membership (GDP) program would be an interesting, flexible program that may support this. The program was fantastic and the mentorship within this program really helped me expand my knowledge of evidence-based practice in a practical way. I feel like the course is really a case of the more you put in, the more you get out of it.
After this, my mentor from the program and a colleague I met at a RACDS CPD event encouraged me to consider undertaking the Fellowship (GDP) Examination. Whilst this was quite a bit of work, it was such a fantastic experience. I would highly recommend anyone keen to improve their evidence-based practice to commit themselves to the process.
Undertaking the Membership (MRACDS) and Fellowship (FRACDS) in General Dental Practice (GDP) programs gave me the confidence to ensure that quality, evidence-based dental care is being provided for our patients. It helped me feel ready to embark on this adventure with the Flying Doctor in the first place. I continue to reiterate that I am extremely lucky to have been surrounded by people with extensive industry experience. They have and continue to generously give me their time to mentor and support myself and others.
I think being a Member or a Fellow of the College is a fantastic way to make those connections and I would encourage anyone considering either of the pathways to give it a go. It really encouraged lifelong learning.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) is a non-profit organisation that has been saving lives in regional, rural, and remote Australia for more than 95 years. The RFDS delivers health care in Queensland spanning 1.73 million square kilometres from nine strategically located bases in Cairns, Townsville, Mount Isa, Charleville, Longreach, Roma, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Brisbane.
Just over a decade ago, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) embarked on a partnership with the QCoal Foundation and launched a purpose-built 18-wheel semi-trailer to take dentistry to rural, remote and Indigenous communities. This has seen the service expand across some of the state’s most remote locations, making a difference to thousands of lives.
Our dental team works out of the Mobile Dental Unit (MDU) to provide quality, patient-centred care. We generally work in a community for two weeks at a time, having Sunday off to explore. The MDU is a state-of-the-art accredited facility with two surgeries, wheelchair access, a sterilisation room, reception room, staff room and Orthopantomogram (OPG) machine. We also have a backup generator that can power us for five days of operation should the community have power issues. We provide all forms of general dental treatment for patients living and working in the communities we service at no cost thanks to funding from the Australian Government, QCoal and donations. Due to some limitations, we are unable to provide complex fixed prosthetics, complex oral surgery, or removable prosthetics. Any treatment that is outside the scope of what we can provide on the MDU is referred to the nearest suitable dental facility.
Once we agree to go into a community, we commit to returning on a regular basis. This enables us to move communities that haven’t had any access to dental care from an emergency model of care to a more preventative model.
I personally get a great deal of satisfaction being able to provide care to patients who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access it easily. Removing pain and improving quality of life for patients’ makes for a fulfilling day at work.
We are also so fortunate to be working with a wonderful team of dentists, dental assistants and administration staff who are passionate about improving access to quality dental treatment. The team is consistently looking at ways we can improve our reach within Queensland to provide services to communities that need us.
Working for the RFDS (Queensland Section) Dental Service is not only an adventure, but it is a genuine privilege. We are honoured to provide quality and equitable care to rural and remote communities.
If you would like to consider a pathway with this incredible organisation, please scan the QR code and register your interest. We are also largely run by donations and any assistance can really help.
Dr Stevie Dilley
Principal Dental Advisor, FRACDS(GDP)
