Mr Redman said he had been advised by a local dentist that the mobile School Dental Service, servicing schools including Walpole, Frankland, Mount Barker, Cranbrook and Denmark, will close as of May 2, 2008.

“This is a vitally important mobile dental service and has been a very successful operation in this region for many years,” Mr Redman said.

“The loss of this service will be felt by all families but is of particular concern for the children of families least able to afford private dental care.

“I understand current waiting lists for public dental care at Albany can be up to two years, so early preventative measures made possible by the mobile service obviously save money and resources in the long term.”

Mr Redman said the closure of the important dental service would be a blow to families and an emergency-only service offered out of Spencer Park Primary School would be of little comfort and small help to families in the region.

“I have asked the Minister to clarify the current status of, and future plans for the mobile school dental service for this area,” Mr Redman said.

“I have also sought clarification of the State Government’s commitment to maintaining the mobile school dental service, which is such an important health resource for families in regional areas.”