How you can have a free trip to the dentist

A trip to the dentist can include hours of driving for Monto locals.

HERE TO HELP: The Royal Flying Doctors Service dentists are in Monto until March 14. Picture: Felicity Ripper

A TRIP to the dentist usually includes hours of driving for Monto's Karen Staines.

But on Friday, a check-up was just minutes away.

The Royal Flying Doctors Service had set up its dental van outside Monto Hospital, and locals have the opportunity to get a check-up for free.

"We all lead busy lives and when we would normally go to the dentist we have to take so many hours out of our day to go and do that,” Mrs Staines said.

Dental technician Jo Conway said the team's schedule was jam-packed with local patients.

"We don't have any criteria for who can see us, we see anybody and everybody,” she said.

Two dentists and two surgeries are on board the van, which visits Monto once a year.

The van was previously in Cherbourg and will go on to Theodore after March 14.

Ms Conway said the team was doing its best to work its way through a long wait list of locals.

All treatments are free to any patient with a Medicare card, with no out of pocket expenses for patients with private health insurance.

To book an appointment phone [phone].