$21m Rural Dentistry and Oral Health Clinical School opens in Bendigo

A $21 million dentistry school has opened in Bendigo, increasing La Trobe University’s capacity to admit 150 dentistry and oral health students each year. Located within La Trobe’s Clinical Teaching Building, the Rural Dentistry and Oral Health Clinical School on Arnold Street — adjacent to Bendigo Health — includes 82 simulation workstations, 16 dental chairs, advanced radiology and digital denture-making equipment.

“This facility will provide our students with a learning environment that mirrors real clinical practice, boosting their job readiness while also responding to significant community needs for qualified dental professionals across rural and regional Australia,” La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said.

Almost 70% of La Trobe’s dentistry cohort in 2025 come from regional postcodes, with more than 3% identifying as Indigenous, doubling the previous year’s representation. The new facility is part of a $170 million health innovation investment across all of La Trobe’s Victorian campuses.

“Research indicates students from rural backgrounds are far more likely to return to practice in rural areas. This is why La Trobe’s investment is so important; it helps break down barriers to access and ensures students can train close to home, using the best technology available,” said Professor Jane Mills, Dean of the La Trobe Rural Health School and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Health Innovation Regional.

Also underway at Bendigo is a $23 million upgrade to the nursing, midwifery and allied health facilities at La Trobe’s Flora Hill campus.

Image (L–R): Brett Gordon, Head of Dept of Rural Clinical Sciences; Marg O’Rourke OAM, Bendigo Head of Campus; Lisa Chesters, Member for Bendigo; Professor Theo Farrell, La Trobe Vice-Chancellor; Jacinta Allan, Premier and Member for Bendigo East; Maree Edwards, Member for Bendigo West; Professor Jane Mills, Pro Vice-Chancellor Health Innovation and Dean of the La Trobe Rural Health School; Cr Andrea Metcalf, Mayor of City of Greater Bendigo; and Professor Santosh Tadakamadla, Dentistry Discipline Lead at La Trobe Rural Health School. Source: La Trobe University.