• Skip to main content
  • Skip to navigation
  • Accessibility
  • Contact Us
Government of Western Australia Crest
Government of Western Australia
Government of Western Australia Crest

Additional Menu

  • Accessibility
  • Contact us
Go to WA Government search
  • About us
    • Contact us
      • Compliments, complaints and suggestions
      • Misconduct
      • Care Opinion
      • Thanks to our staff
    • Provide feedback
    • Health Service Board
    • Executive
    • Vision and Values
    • Past adoption practices
    • Strategic Planning
    • Annual Reports
    • Freedom of Information
    • Governance
  • Hospitals and Services
    • Hospitals
      • Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
      • Osborne Park Hospital
      • King Edward Memorial Hospital
      • Graylands Hospital
      • Joondalup Health Campus
    • Mental Health
      • Community Adult Mental Health
      • Inpatient Adult Mental Health
      • Mental Health Specialties
      • State Forensic Mental Health Services
      • Community Advisory Council
    • Public Health
      • Aboriginal Health
      • DonateLife
      • Health Promotion
      • Humanitarian Entrant Health Service
      • Infection Prevention and Control
      • Boorloo Public Health Unit
      • State Head Injury Unit
      • WA Tuberculosis Control Program
    • Dental Health Services
    • Services
      • Cancer Network WA
      • Elective surgery
      • Emergency Departments
      • Maternity Services
      • Residential Care Line
      • Interpreters and Language Services
      • Video Consultation
    • Voluntary Assisted Dying
  • Patient Care
    • Safety and Quality
      • Patient safety
      • Quality of care
      • Maintaining high standards of healthcare
      • Engaging with our consumers
    • Aishwarya’s CARE Call
    • Manage My Care
    • Patient rights and responsibilities
    • Partnering with Consumers
      • Community Advisory Councils
      • Engagement
      • NMHS statement on family and domestic violence
      • Partnership Model
      • Volunteering
    • Choose Wisely
    • Disability Access and Inclusion Plan
    • Patient resources
  • Health Professionals
    • Referring Patients
    • Boorloo Public Health Unit
      • Syphilis outbreak
      • Notifying diseases
      • Immunisation support
      • Perth Public Health Officer Training Program
      • Reports, publications and resources
      • Forms
    • GP Liaison
    • Library and Information Service
    • Staff Exposures and Absences Form
    • CADD Standards
  • Research
    • About our research
    • Research ethics and governance
    • NMHS Research Strategy
    • Research news
    • Why undertake research
    • Current research
    • Research partners
  • Work with us
    • Employee benefits
    • About us
    • Staff stories
    • International and interstate recruitment
    • Nursing and Midwifery
    • Forensic Mental Health
    • Mental Health
      • Mental Health Transition to Practice Program
    • Medical
      • Interns
      • Overseas trained doctors
    • Aboriginal employment and recruitment
    • Dental
    • Graduates
      • Mental Health Transition to Practice Program
      • GradConnect
    • Vacancies
    • Career opportunities
    • Pathways to working with us
    • Diversity and inclusion
    • Volunteering
  • Latest News
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. 2023
  4. 09
  5. 29
  6. Fitzroy Dental Service a labour of love

Fitzroy Dental Service a labour of love

Fitzroy Dental Service a labour of love

Ian and Claudette in surgery Ian and Claudette in surgery
02/10/2023

Ian and Claudette Davison moved to the remote Kimberley region 11 years ago to run the Fitzroy Crossing Government Dental Clinic after immigrating to Australia the year before – and have not looked back.

The husband and wife team has since devoted their lives to improving dental health within the local community and surrounding region, travelling to remote areas to provide dental services.

Earlier this year Ian was recognised by the 2023 Community Citizen of the Year Awards receiving a Certificate of Appreciation.

Ian said he was shocked and humbled to receive the award.

"I had no idea I had been nominated. It was such a surprise when I was presented with the certificate at the dental clinic," Ian said.

"It's not always easy providing the much-needed services, but we feel it is our calling to do so and not a job.

"Before we moved here, nobody had stayed in the position for more than a year, so I will find it difficult to retire when the time is right."

Claudette works as Ian's dental assistant and said they moved from South Africa for a better life in Australia and fell in love with the Kimberley region.

"Despite the challenges experienced because of the remote location, we love helping the community and have developed a small solid group of friends," Claudette said.

"Every two weeks we pack up the car and spend time in remote locations providing dental services.

"It's the simple achievements that provide joy, including increased awareness among the kids about the importance of flossing and teeth brushing."

Claudette and Ian said when they finally retire, they hope their replacement will enjoy providing service to the community as much as they do.

Claudette Davison with kids

Ian Davson in community setting

Previous Next
Last Updated: 10/04/2024
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Footer menu

  • wa.gov.au
  • Copyright
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Sitemap
  • Contact Us

Brought to you by the Department of Health, Western Australia

© Government of Western Australia 2018 to