08/10/2026
For Sarah Chapman, studying dentistry at La Trobe’s Bendigo Campus has provided the opportunity to pursue her career while remaining connected to her hometown of Mildura.
“I chose the La Trobe Rural Health School because it gave me the opportunity to study in a rural setting while still being relatively close to my hometown of Mildura. Another major factor in my decision was the Aspire Program, which allowed me to receive a conditional offer before completing Year 12, giving me confidence and reassurance about my university pathway.”
Now in the fourth year of her Bachelor of Dental Science, Sarah has developed a strong appreciation for the importance of accessible healthcare in rural communities.
“While my pathway isn't particularly unconventional, growing up in a rural community has given me a unique appreciation of the importance of accessible healthcare. It's something that has influenced my decision to study at La Trobe Rural Health School and is a big part of why I'm passionate about pursuing a career in dentistry.”
Sarah has particularly valued the practical focus of her course, with hands-on learning and clinical experience beginning early in her studies.
“What I've enjoyed most about the course is the hands-on learning we were exposed to from the very beginning. I'm a very practical learner, so having clinical experience from week one really suited the way I learn. It reinforced my confidence that I had chosen the right career while giving me plenty of time to develop my clinical and practical skills.”
As she has progressed through the course, Sarah has also appreciated the support provided by her clinical educators during placement.
“Another highlight has been the support we receive from our clinical educators during placements in our later years. They create a really encouraging learning environment, providing guidance when needed while also giving us the independence to build confidence, develop our clinical decision-making and grow as future practitioners.”
In her fourth year, Sarah completed two five-month rotations in Mildura, allowing her to live at home while contributing to the community where she grew up.
“Our placements are completed across rural Victoria, with each cohort split across different locations throughout the state. I was fortunate enough to complete my first two five-month rotations of fourth year in Mildura, which allowed me to live at home while also giving back to the community I was raised in.”
The placements have also helped Sarah understand the importance of teamwork within the dental profession. Students alternate between the roles of clinician and dental assistant, gaining experience across different aspects of patient care.
“During placement, we work alongside our peers and alternate between the roles of clinician and dental assistant. I think this is an incredibly valuable part of the program, as it provides the support of having a peer alongside you while also allowing us to understand and appreciate the important role every member of the dental team plays.
Developing these assisting skills has given me a greater respect for the teamwork and communication required to provide high-quality patient care.”
Sarah says her placements have helped her grow both clinically and personally, while reinforcing her desire to work in rural communities.
“I have learnt an incredible amount through my placements, both clinically and personally. Each day provides new opportunities to develop my skills, build confidence and experience the variety that a career in dentistry offers.
Being able to work with patients from different backgrounds and be involved in their care has reinforced my passion for dentistry and my desire to continue working within rural communities in the future.”
Balancing the demands of university with life outside her studies has been another important part of Sarah’s experience. Alongside clinical placements and study, she has continued to play hockey, developing organisational and time-management skills along the way.
“One of the biggest challenges has been finding the right balance between the demands of the course and life outside of university. Between clinical placements, study and continuing to play hockey, learning how to manage my time effectively has been a big part of my university experience.
It has taken some adjustment, but developing those organisational skills has helped me stay on top of my workload while still making time for the things I enjoy outside of dentistry.”
Although rural placements can mean working independently, Sarah has felt supported through regular communication with her year-level coordinator, the team at Sunraysia Community Health and the local campus team.
“Despite being separated from the rest of our cohort, I felt very supported through regular communication from our year level coordinator, including emails and scheduled Zoom calls, as well as the welcoming team at Sunraysia Community Health. The Mildura La Trobe team also provided support by inviting us to events such as their welcome party and movie night.”
Looking ahead, Sarah hopes to continue learning and developing her clinical skills in a rural setting after graduation.
“My goal after graduating is to work in a rural setting where I can continue learning, develop my clinical skills and have the support of experienced mentors around me.
I see graduation as the first step in a career of ongoing learning, and I'm excited to continue growing as a clinician while contributing to the communities that inspired my journey.”
For future students, Sarah’s advice is to make the most of every opportunity.
“My advice would be to embrace every opportunity and not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The course can be challenging at times, but the support from your peers, educators and placement teams makes such a difference.
Ask lots of questions, be open to learning and enjoy the journey because the experiences you gain along the way are what make the course so rewarding.”
