Australian Dental Foundation Unveils New Mobile Clinic Named in Honour of Long-Time Supporter

The Australian Dental Foundation has officially welcomed the newest addition to its growing mobile dental fleet, unveiling a state-of-the-art clinic named Michelle in recognition of the extraordinary support provided by Michelle Turner over several years.

The new vehicle represents a significant step forward in the Foundation’s mission to bring dental care to underserved communities across regional and remote Australia.

Unlike previous mobile clinics, Michelle is an all-in-one, self-contained dental clinic built within a truck. The vehicle features a spacious surgery, dedicated sterilisation room, onboard bathroom, extensive storage and solar power capabilities, allowing clinical teams to travel further and deliver care in locations where access to dental services is often limited.

The naming of the vehicle carries special significance for the Foundation.

Australian Dental Foundation first met Michelle Turner in 2023 while preparing to launch its first mobile semi-trailer clinic, Clarrie. At the time, Michelle was involved in transporting the Red Cross semi-trailer, which shared a similar design and operating model.

From the outset, Michelle provided practical guidance and support as the Foundation navigated the challenges of delivering dental services from a mobile platform. She assisted with early school visits, including one of the Foundation’s first mobile programs in Reynella, and continued to support operations as the service expanded throughout South Australia.

Over the years, Michelle played a role in helping transport Clarrie to communities across the state, including Lameroo, Pinnaroo, Berri and Kangaroo Island. One memorable trip to Kangaroo Island presented a series of challenges, including a tyre failure while the vehicle was being loaded onto the Sealink ferry.

More recently, following her retirement from the transport industry, Michelle helped ensure the continuity of the program by connecting the Foundation with Kennedy Transport, which now assists with moving Clarrie.

To recognise her contribution, Foundation representatives presented Michelle with a framed photograph of the newly unveiled vehicle during the ceremony.

Australian Dental Foundation Board Members Vince Minervini, Jan Miller and Belinda Gilgen, alongside Director of Engagement Shauna Black and Central and Western Australia Operations Manager Abbey Greenhalgh, joined Michelle for the presentation.

The unveiling marks another milestone for the Foundation’s mobile dental program, which continues to expand its reach into communities where access to oral healthcare remains a challenge.

With its advanced capabilities and increased flexibility, Michelle will enable the Australian Dental Foundation to travel further than ever before, helping ensure more Australians can access essential dental care regardless of where they live.

As the vehicle begins its journey across the country, it carries not only new opportunities for patient care, but also the name of someone whose dedication helped make that journey possible.