Coonamble, June 18, 2025

Coonamble Dental Surgery is preparing for the departure of Dr. Abhay Gupta, leaving a void in local dental services.

the Coonamble Dental Surgery is set to lose Dr. Abhay Gupta, who has been providing essential dental services to the community and surrounding areas like Baradine, Coonabarabran, Walgett, and Lightning ridge. The departure is scheduled for June 27, 2025, leaving many residents wondering about their future dental care.

Dr. Gupta’s presence has been felt for almost two years, and his absence will undoubtedly create a noticeable gap. The Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS), the operators of the dental surgery, has already begun the search for a replacement. Emergency cases will be prioritized to provide immediate care.

Contact CAHS for information on continued care and referrals.

“at the moment our Dental surgery is not taking on any new clients due to the Departure of Dr Gupta,” said CAHS CEO phil Naden. However, the NSW Western LHD [local health district] will continue to deliver regular children’s dental services from the Coonamble Dental Surgery. all other priority dental care is being referred to alternate dental clinics in surrounding communities.

Finding a new dentist is often a slow and complex process,given the nationwide shortage of dental professionals. CAHS is collaborating with local agencies to explore innovative solutions to this challenge.
“Our executive staff have met with Coonamble Shire Council and the local MPS to discuss a co-design approach whilst we are recruiting a new Dentist however, a community led solution has not yet been reached,” Mr Naden said.

Share your thoughts with the Coonamble Shire Council!

Coonamble Dental Surgery understands the importance of this service to the community and are striving to recruit a full-time dentist as soon as possible. “Dr Gupta has done a great job for our communities, we’ve received vrey positive feedback from patients,” Mr. Naden said. “We are grateful for his service and, while we’re disappointed to see him go, we wish him well for his future.”

Following the news of Dr. Gupta’s departure from Coonamble Dental Surgery, it’s a perfect time to explore the multifaceted a dentist plays within a community. The impact goes far beyond just fixing teeth; dentists are integral to overall health and well-being.

The term “role” can be defined in several ways, but in the context of healthcare, it signifies the function or purpose a person or thing has in a situation [[3]].Specifically, a dentist takes on numerous roles that go beyond simply treating dental issues.

Dentists serve as vital healthcare providers, playing several key roles:

Dentists also contribute significantly to the overall well-being of a population.

The departure of dr. Gupta and the search for a new dentist underscores the importance of dental services in a rural area like Coonamble. Communities with access to dental care experience better health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased economic productivity.

Finding a replacement for Dr Gupta is so very important. The CAHS has the “role” of finding a replacement dentist for a smoother transition.

Consider these points:

with the news of Dr. Gupta’s leaving, the CAHS now takes on the critically important of finding a new dentist for the local community.

Let’s debunk some common myths about dentists:

Here are some common questions people have about the role of a dentist and dental care:

A: Regular dental visits allow for preventative care, early detection of problems, and education on proper oral hygiene, contributing to overall health.

A: Dentists provide a wide range of services, including check-ups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more complex procedures like root canals.

A: Dentists improve community health by providing essential preventive and restorative services, educating patients, and advocating for oral health initiatives.

A: Contact your dentist or the CAHS immediately for advice and treatment. Prioritize getting needed care.

A: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and see your dentist regularly.