The peak body for dentists in Australia, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is today supporting policies such as those released by the Australian Greens that target government funds to vulnerable Australians and assist in affording proper dental care.
As identified in the National Oral Health Plan 2015-24, more than 90% of adults and 40% of young children have experienced tooth decay. Only four out of every ten have a favorable visiting pattern (to a dentist) and there are many Australians who require specific strategies to improve access to treatment. Poor oral health is a significant contributor to poor overall health where patients who live with long term pain suffer severe and often catastrophic consequences, more than 63,000 Australians are hospitalised annually due to preventable oral health conditions. The cost to all Australian's through preventable hospitalization is significant however the cost to individuals is so much higher. More than three times as many Australians put off going to the dentist when compared to visiting the doctor.
ADA Federal President Dr Carmelo Bonanno today said "We welcome greater attention to oral health by political parties, and today's announcement is a step in the right direction".
"Targeted funding that supports those Australian's that are often least likely to attend a dentist regularly is sorely needed if we are to improve oral health in our community".
"The Australian Dental Health Plan developed by the ADA called for targeted schedules to address areas of need and to ensure Australian's have access to quality dental care".
"The Child Dental Benefit Scheme has provided improved access to dental services for many children so a policy to extend this program to all Australian children is welcomed"
"The Australian Dental Health Plan called for government funding to be extended to provide better access for the aged and for low income Australian's. The announcement by the Greens today is a welcome move in that regard"
"If we are to improve the overall health of Australian's, we must do something about access to dentists for those who are least able to afford dental treatment. The ADA supports good policy where it assists people to get the care they need".
