Dental graduate Jael Mezieres is undertaking Queensland Health's inaugural Early Career Dental Practitioner Program.
Transitioning from university into the workplace can be a challenging step for dental graduates.
To support this important career milestone for those entering the public healthcare system, Queensland Health has launched the Early Career Dental Practitioner Program—a new initiative designed to ease the transition into clinical practice for participants.
The program provides graduates with valuable hands-on experience while equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently navigate their early professional journey in the public health sector.
It also helps grow a robust and sustainable workforce to support demand in public oral health care clinics.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service Dental Officer Jael Mezieres is one of 26 graduates participating in the inaugural program, which commenced in March.
She describes the experience as transformative, helping to bridge the gap between finishing university and putting theory into practice in the workplace.
“Riding the highs of graduating and then going into the start of a new career may leave you feeling unprepared at times,” Jael said.
“Those first few steps in the healthcare system can be daunting, especially if you feel alone or unsure of the support available.
“This program helps consolidate the knowledge we learn at university and builds confidence in applying it practically.”
Jael said one of the most valuable aspects of the program is connecting with fellow graduates who are navigating similar early-career challenges.
“No pun intended—but having peer support through the ‘teething’ phase of your career is so important,” she said.
Queensland Health’s Chief Dental Officer, Dr Ben Stute, said this is the first graduate program of its kind offered within the state’s public oral health sector.
“Queensland Health offers graduate programs for doctors and nurses, and now we have one for oral health graduates,” Dr Stute said.
“This year’s cohort includes 14 dentists and 12 oral health therapists from 10 Queensland Hospital and Health Services, selected through an Expression of Interest process.
“The program features online mentoring sessions, small group discussions with peers and mentors, access to specialist lectures, and hands-on clinical placements at Metro North Hospital and Health Service’s Oral Health Centre.”
Dr Stute said the goal is to fast-track the professional development of dental graduates as they enter the public system.
“By exposing graduates to a wide variety of clinical experiences and providing structured support, we’re building their capabilities to manage a broad range of cases,” he said.
“This is especially important in areas where access to specialist care is limited.”
Beyond supporting new graduates, the program is a pivotal step in building a sustainable, skilled dental workforce across Queensland—particularly in regional, rural, and remote communities.
“In a decentralised state like Queensland, we can face challenges in delivering healthcare services,” Dr Stute said.
“This program helps develop confident practitioners ready to meet public sector demands and improve the oral health of Queenslanders.”
For Jael, it’s a promising start to a career she’s dreamed of since high school.
“I’ve always wanted to help people. At first, I considered medicine, but I found my passion in dentistry,” she said.
“This program is giving me the foundation I need for a long and meaningful career in improving people’s oral health.”
Tips for good oral health
Good oral health prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath while reducing risks of heart disease and diabetes. It boosts confidence, supports clear speech, improves nutrition, and reduces pain and costly treatments.
Practical ways to maintain good oral health include:
- limiting sugar and alcohol consumption
- quitting smoking to reduce the risk of gum disease and oral cancer
- practising good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing
- drinking fluoridated tap water to protect teeth against decay
- regularly visiting a dentist for check-ups and cleanings.