It is a trend The Royal Flying Doctor Service is endeavoring to change with its Mobile Dental Care Program.

Part of the Right as Rain initiative, Circular Head show-goers were invited to have a look inside an RFDS Dental Van at Saturday’s event.

RFDS Tasmania chief executive John Kirwan said it was about ensuring people in rural and remote communities had the right information when it came to their oral health.

 “The RFDS is proactive in calling for a change to address the clear health inequities between remote and rural communities, and those in the larger metropolitan areas,” he said.

 “We hope our time at the Circular Head Show will help to keep the locals out of our planes and out of hospital.”

The van’s appearance at the show follows the establishment of an RFDS Mobile Dental Care service in Tasmania to offer preventative screenings, oral health promotion and treatment, four days a week.

The outreach program is offered in a flexible service structure and delivered in rural and remote communities across the state.

The North-West Coast of Tasmania was identified as the first region to receive the much-needed outreach service.

The RFDS dental team has also set up a mobile clinic in classrooms to conduct treatments including fissure sealants, fluoride varnish applications, oral hygiene promotion and fillings using portable dental equipment.

The mouth is not the only focus of the RFDS Right as Rain team, which has been attending rural and remote agricultural shows since 2016 to address health issues such as men’s health, immunisation, head lice, sexual health and healthy eating.

Circular Head visitors were invited to test their food knowledge, strength, flexibility and fitness through a range of activities set up on site designed to encourage an informal conversation about easy and practical ways to live a healthier lifestyle.

For more information, head to www.flyingdoctor.org.au.