Dentistry in Far North Queensland is going digital – and for patients, that means getting the care they need sooner.
The addition of a second, larger 3D printer at Cairns North Oral Health is speeding up the production of dentures and dental models, helping reduce wait times and improve access to care across the region – thanks to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
When the first printer was introduced in 2023 (also thanks to the Foundation), it marked a major shift from manual denture production to faster, more accurate digital workflows, helping reduce wait times for patients.
Now, the new, larger printer is taking that impact even further.
Cairns Hospital Director of Oral Health Dr Harry Robertson said the upgraded technology had significantly improved efficiency in the laboratory.
“The larger printer has enabled us to print multiple large objects such as impression trays, models and dentures all at the same time,” Dr Robertson said.
“For example, we can now print seven impression trays in just 90 minutes – something that previously would have taken around six hours across multiple print runs.”
The increased capacity means the smaller printers can now be dedicated to more detailed work, such as denture bases and teeth, improving workflow across the entire lab.
“The larger printer has allowed previous bottlenecks in the printing sequence to be removed,” he said.
Since the digital laboratory was established at Cairns North, approximately 650 denture units have already been produced using digital processes- alongside those created using traditional methods.
The impact is being felt across the region, with all dentures for Mossman and Yarrabah clinics now 3D printed, and growing numbers being produced for FNQ patients.
Importantly, the added capacity is helping reduce waiting times for manufacturing dentures for people who rely on the oral prostheses to maintain their health and wellbeing.
“Being able to chew food properly is vital for good general health, particularly for patients managing conditions like diabetes,” Dr Robertson said.
Beyond the clinical benefits, the improved technology also is enhancing patients’ confidence and quality of life.
“Dentures don’t just restore function – they help people feel like themselves again,” he said.
“The introduction of the digital laboratory has helped the team in lowering the wait times for dentures by two thirds, which is just incredible for our patients.”
The $19,000 equipment was funded by long-time Foundation donor Anne Mills, of the Mills Family Foundation. Mrs Mills said the project really resonated with her family.
“Our Foundation is built on family money, so for us it’s about giving back in a way that genuinely helps people in our community. Knowing this technology will get patients seen faster and improve their quality of life, made it an easy decision. It’s incredibly rewarding to support something that’s going to make such a real, practical difference for families across Far North Queensland,” Mrs Mills said.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said by investing in advanced equipment like 3D printing, the Foundation was helping ensure patients across the region could access modern, high-quality care close to home.
“This is a great example of how the Foundation works with our health partners to invest in practical solutions that make a real difference for patients. By supporting equipment like 3D printing technology, we’re helping more people across Far North Queensland access timely, high-quality dental care closer to home,” Mrs Hogan said.
Photo: Cairns Hospital Digital Technician Advanced David Elms, Donor Anne Mills, Cairns Hospital Director of Oral Health Dr Harry Robertson and Foundation CEO Gina Hogan.
