A new dental school in Cairns

Starting a new school is a challenge, especially in the present economic climate, but that is the situation facing several schools in Australia. Due to the shortage of dental manpower, especially in the more remote areas of Australia, the Federal Government has provided funds to increase the number of dentists in training. One of the areas chosen for a new dental school was Cairns, Northern Queensland and the administration of the new school is under the auspices of the James Cook University (JCU). The Main JCU campus is at Townsville which is 340 km (212 miles) away and about four hours' driving distance (Fig. 1). The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences offers many health professional programs at both campuses, including Medicine, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy at the Townsville Campus and Dentistry and Nursing in Cairns (Fig. 2).