The oral health of older Australians is being put at risk by a lack of government action on dental care for at risk older people as part of Medicare, the Council on the Ageing - Australia's leading advocate for older Australians – says.
Marking World Oral Health Day, COTA Chief Executive Officer, Patricia Sparrow, says it's time for the Federal Government to improve access to dental care by developing a publicly funded senior dental health program bulk billed through Medicare.
"A lack of government action is resulting in many older Australians being forced to deal with long-lasting health consequences due to a lack of affordable and accessible dental care," says Patricia Sparrow.
"One of the key recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission was the introduction of a publicly funded senior dental scheme, but we're still yet to see meaningful action on its introduction.
"It is not just a matter of cosmetic appearance; oral health is an essential measure of overall health and quality of life. Good oral health is vital to overall health and well-being, yet many older Australians face challenges accessing basic dental health services.
"We need locally available, affordable and accessible dental care so people have the ability to get their oral health needs met before they spiral out of control.
"We see too many older Australians getting sick and ending up in hospitals because they cannot afford to see a dentist. They are often forced to live with toothache, missing teeth, and other oral health problems that make eating, speaking, and going about their daily lives difficult.
"For those lucky enough to access a public dental clinic, treatment wait times can last over two years, and services are limited to essential treatments. These problems were further amplified due to the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.
"The time to invest in a national dental program is now. We need to see the government develop a publicly funded senior dental health program, bulk billed through Medicare. In the first instance, the scheme should target those who need it most – older people on low incomes, all people living in a residential aged care home or receiving a home care package.
"A Senior Dental Benefits Schedule will prove an immeasurable investment for the Government, improving the dental and overall health of older Australians whilst reducing the overall long-term costs created by the lack of access to dental care.
"It was a Labor Government that delivered the Children's Dental Benefit Scheme. Now it's time to protect older Australians' oral health too."
