Australian Dental Foundation and Straumann Group Foundation Officially Launch Central Smiles Project

The Australian Dental Foundation (ADFi), in partnership with the Straumann Group Foundation, has officially launched Central Smiles, a new project dedicated to improving access to essential oral healthcare for communities across regional and remote Australia.

The official launch marks an important milestone in ADFi’s ongoing commitment to improving access to dental care for children, families and communities who face barriers to regular oral healthcare.

Central Smiles will provide up to 2,400 dental appointment opportunities in its first year, delivering dental examinations, preventive care, restorative treatments, extractions and referrals where required.

Bringing Dental Care Closer to Home

At the heart of the project is Michelle, the sixth vehicle to join ADFi’s growing mobile dental fleet.

Equipped with a fully functioning dental surgery, dedicated sterilisation room and solar-powered capabilities, Michelle has everything she needs to bring essential dental services directly to communities where accessing regular oral healthcare can be challenging. If you see Michelle on the road, wave hello!

In partnership with Yadu Health, the project’s first stop will be communities across the greater Ceduna region. Located approximately 780 kilometres from Adelaide, Ceduna is one of many regional communities where distance can present challenges when accessing dental services. Through Central Smiles, the Australian Dental Foundation aims to make dental care more accessible by bringing services directly to communities, helping reduce geographical barriers and support better oral health outcomes.

Working Together to Improve Oral Health Equity

The Central Smiles Project is made possible through the collaboration of the Australian Dental Foundation, Straumann Group Foundation, Yadu Health, and local communities, schools and health services. Importantly, patients accessing dental services through the Central Smiles Project will not incur any out-of-pocket costs, helping to remove financial barriers to treatment.

The launch represents the beginning of a new chapter for ADFi and its partners, strengthening their shared commitment to improving oral health equity across Australia. ADFi extends its sincere thanks to the Straumann Group Foundation, Yadu Health and everyone involved in bringing the Central Smiles Project to life.

To learn more about the initiative or register a patient, visit our Central Smiles Project page for further information and booking details.

We look forward to seeing Michelle on the road as the Central Smiles Project begins delivering dental services across regional South Australia.