Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the benefits of a partnership between a university dental school and a Community Controlled Health Service, specifically in relation to improving the oral health of an underserved rural Indigenous community. We sought community opinions on health and social outcomes arising from the service provided by the dental student clinical outplacement. Setting In Dalby, Queensland. Participants In total, 38 participants in five focus groups were representative of local Indigenous community Elders, community health support group members and management and staff. Design A descriptive qualitative study employing semi‐structured audio‐recorded focus group discussions conducted with purposefully selected Indigenous community groups to explore participant views and experience of the partnership model. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results The Indigenous community representatives expressed positive benefit in both their general and oral health awareness, in improved access to dental care provided in their own safe space, while they were pleased to assist with students' learning. They viewed the partnership as mutually beneficial. Suggestions for enhancement of the oral health service were also offered. Conclusion This partnership between a university and a Community Controlled Health Service provides sustainable positive social and health benefits for the targeted Indigenous community and for the wider local population, while simultaneously providing enhanced educational benefits for students on clinical outplacement. Translation and uptake of this successful model of care would benefit both underserved communities and dental and other health care professional educators worldwide.

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BackgroundThis study aimed to determine whether oral health services provision by a dental student clinical outplacement embedded within a Community Controlled Health Service positively impacted a rural Indigenous community and to explore the nature of these benefits.MethodsAggregated and de‐identified 2017, 2018 and 2019 student‐led clinic services provision data were retrospectively analysed. The change in services mix over time was measured. Rural outplacement clinic operational costs to the university were estimated. Government‐funded local public dental clinic waiting list and services provision data were used to identify any student clinic establishment effect.ResultsThe student‐led clinic services mix shifted over time from mainly acute care for toothache towards prevention of disease and tooth restoration, indicating an improvement in patient oral health and correspondingly reduced system costs. Imputed value of 2017–2019 student‐led clinic services provision totalled almost AUD$1 million. Government public clinic waiting list times decreased after full establishment of the student‐led clinic, indicating decreased pressure on the public system.ConclusionThe Community Controlled Health Service and university partnership improved community oral health care access, its timely delivery and simultaneously provided valuable human capital development from the student training experience. The student‐led clinic's targeted Indigenous community showed oral health improvement over time. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.