Simple cost analysis of a rural dental training facility in Australia

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
Lalloo, Ratilal
Massey, Ward
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2013
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

Introduction Student clinical placements away from the university dental school clinics are an integral component of dental training programs. In 2009, the School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Griffith University, commenced a clinical placement in a remote rural community in Australia. This paper presents a simple cost analysis of the project from mid-2008 to mid-2011. Methods All expenditures of the project are audited by the Financial and Planning Services unit of the university. The budget was divided into capital and operational costs, and the latter were further subdivided into salary and non-salary costs, and these were further analysed for the various types of expenditures incurred. The value of the treatments provided and income generated is also presented. Results Remote rural placements have additional (to the usual university dental clinic) costs in terms of salary incentives, travel, accommodation and subsistence support. However, the benefits of the placement to both the students and the local community might outweigh the additional costs of the placement. Conclusions and implications Because of high costs of rural student clinical placements, the financial support of partners, including the local Shire Council, state/territory and Commonwealth governments, is crucial in the establishment and ongoing sustainability of rural dental student clinical placements.

Journal Title

Australian Journal of Rural Health

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

21

Issue

3

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Biomedical and clinical sciences

Dentistry not elsewhere classified

Human society

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections