Investigations by Noosa MP Sandy Bolton has found there is sufficient patient demand to retain the Noosa Dental Clinic that was being considered for closure by the state government due to low patronage and high costs.
The Queensland Minister for Health advised in July 2025 that the closure of the Noosa Dental Clinic was being considered as part of a broader infrastructure review, which includes increasing services at Nambour. It was reported that the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) has a multi-year budget deficit, with our local clinic identified as a high-cost service relative to other SCHHS Dental Clinics in the context of the ratio of clinicians to support staff required, as the location is only a small two chair clinic.
Noosa MP Sandy Bolton has been advocating with SCHHS and the minister that alternative solutions should be investigated such as clinic expansion, hybrid staffing, and stronger promotion of the service for those eligible but her initial investigations have found that there is sufficient patient demand for the chairs at Noosa to be in use five days a week.
“This is evidence of underinvestment by previous governments in expanding the clinic and in recruitment to deliver a timely service,” she said.
“Closing the clinic on cost grounds risks disproportionately affecting low-income residents and seniors who already face several challenges, including with transport and mobility.
“We appreciate the commitment by the minister to establish an on-demand booking service for transport to alternative dental clinics, with designated pick-up and drop-off points to ensure timely and reliable transport for patients. However, long travel times from numerous designated pickups increases the risk of delayed or foregone dental care, which in turn contributes to poorer overall health outcomes and avoidable hospitalisations.”
The SCHHS response included that the Noosa region has the lowest average utilisation rates of public dental services within their catchment, correlating with the high socio-economic status of the area.
“Regarding utilisation rates, there appears to have been a lack of information provided by governments over the years that this service was available, as eligible residents have reported they were unaware. In addition, those who knew often had months of waiting to access this essential dental care.”
Ms Bolton said the socio-economic status of our community is often misunderstood, as despite some high-income visitors and residents, the vast majority of the electorate is no different to other electorates.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 census, our median weekly household income is $1,467, which is less than the Queensland average of $1,675. In addition, Noosa Council’s submission to a Senate Inquiry into the extent and nature of poverty and financial hardship in Australia in 2023 outlined quantitative indicators demonstrate that the Noosa Shire incorporates a large proportion of families living below the poverty line, and high numbers of residents in receipt of benefits, particularly single parents allowance and greater than the minimum family allowance.
Sandy has reiterated that efforts need to be made by the state and federal governments to ensure those eligible for these services are aware of these opportunities as hidden demand may not have been taken into account, especially considering our shire has one of the highest percentages of residents aged 65 and over in Queensland.
While the department has cited challenges recruiting dentists, Ms Bolton would welcome a review of workforce policy to test this, which may reveal opportunities to attract clinicians to Noosa with flexible arrangements, rotations, or partnerships with universities for training placements.
“Before any further decisions, options such as expanding the facility (to spread fixed costs over more chairs), or operating a hybrid model (mix of permanent and visiting staff) should be explored. This could both reduce cost per chair and address recruitment challenges,” she said.
The Noosa MP is encouraging all to join her in emailing the Minister for Health via health@ministerial.qld.gov.au and to copy her office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
For more information visit sandybolton.com/?s=Noosa+Dental+Clinic.
