11/05/2026
A Century of Dentistry in Bunyip: From Travelling Dentists to Modern Care
The history of dentistry in Bunyip reflects the growth of the township itself — from a small rural
community with limited healthcare services to a modern regional centre with permanent, high-quality
dental care.
One of the earliest recorded references to dentistry in Bunyip dates back to May 1913, when a travelling
dentist known as Mr Thomas advertised that he would be consulting patients at the Gippsland Hotel. At
that time, access to professional dental treatment in country towns was limited, and residents often
depended on visiting practitioners who travelled between rural communities.
Historical accounts from the period suggest that, before the arrival of trained dental professionals, some
local residents relied on improvised methods of tooth extraction. One well-known local story recalls that
the railway station master occasionally removed teeth using ticket clippers — a reminder of how difficult
access to medical and dental care could be in small Victorian towns during the early twentieth century.
For many decades, Bunyip did not have a permanent dental clinic. As the township developed through
the mid-twentieth century and healthcare services gradually expanded, the need for regular local
dentistry became increasingly important.
A major milestone in the history of dental care in Bunyip came in 2013, when Dr Hany Saman first visited
the town with the vision of establishing a permanent modern dental practice for the local community.
After securing premises at 11 A’Beckett Road in September 2013, Dr Saman developed a new clinic
designed to provide contemporary dental care in a welcoming and professional environment. Bunyip
Dental Clinic officially opened in December 2013, with the first day of clinical practice commencing on
14 January 2014.
Significantly, the first day of practice took place almost exactly one hundred years after the recorded
visit of Mr Thomas in 1913 — marking the beginning of a new era of permanent dentistry in Bunyip.
Under the leadership of Dr Hany Saman, Bunyip Dental Clinic became the town’s first permanent
modern dental clinic, providing general, family, preventive and cosmetic dentistry to local residents.
Over the years, the practice grew alongside the community, helping improve access to dental care for
families throughout Bunyip and the surrounding district.
As demand increased and technology advanced, the clinic entered a new chapter in August 2023,
relocating to a purpose-designed facility at 7 Main Street, Bunyip. The move allowed the clinic to expand
its services, modernise its equipment and continue delivering high-quality dental care in the centre of
town.
Today, the story of dentistry in Bunyip stands as a remarkable journey — from travelling dentists and
temporary hotel consultations to a modern, permanent dental practice serving the community every
day.
References
1. Bunyip, Victoria history records, including the May 1913 reference to travelling dentist Mr Thomas consulting at the Gippsland Hotel. Source:
Wikipedia, “Bunyip, Victoria”.
2. Trove, National Library of Australia archives, including early newspaper advertisements for Mr Thomas, dentist, consulting in Bunyip in 1913.
3. Community newsletters and local records confirming the location of Bunyip Dental Clinic at 11 A’Beckett Road, Bunyip.
4. Local newspaper publications including the Garfield Spectator and Bunyip & District Community News documenting the clinic’s relocation to 7
Main Street in 2023.
5. Official records and website information from Bunyip Dental Clinic regarding clinic history, services and practice development under Dr Hany
Saman
