1989: Dental defence

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Tags: winter-2012

Michael Lines, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Psychology (honours)

Dr Michael Lines working in the field

One of the specialists keeping Australia’s Defence Force men and women in good health is UQ alumnus Michael Lines. The science graduate has been working for the Australian Army for the past 21 years as a psychologist and, most recently, as a dentist.

Following the completion of his degrees in science and psychology at UQ, Dr Lines enlisted in the Australian Defence Force, working as a psychologist for 11 years.

During this time, he completed deployments in East Timor, the Solomon Islands and throughout Australia.

While serving in various army hospitals, Dr Lines’ passion for dentistry was rekindled and he decided to enrol at the University of Sydney via the Defence University Sponsorship.

“I had a long-term interest in dentistry, which began from my own experiences as a teenager,” Dr Lines said.

“I am very passionate about the role that the military plays and I also feel that dentistry is a great, dynamic and challenging profession.

“Being a dentist in the army allows me to combine these two great passions of mine.”

He said the major difference between private practice dentistry and work in the service was the level of financial flexibility.

“In the army, the treatment is provided free-of-charge, so this means we can provide the patient with the best treatment plan possible, without needing to take any cost issues into account,” he said.

“Also, we provide dental services in operational environments, so we are trained and equipped to work in austere field environments – often under canvas.”

One of Dr Lines’ most memorable experiences was his deployment with the Army Aboriginal Community Aid Program to central South Australia.

“We provided a full dental service and were able to issue dentures to patients who had been missing a number of teeth for years,” Dr Lines said.

“It was personally rewarding as we were making a real difference in these people’s lives.”

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