Sarah Courtney,Minister for Health
Early preventative treatment and education is vital for the oral health of Tasmanians.
Oral Health Services Tasmania has stepped up its fight against tooth decay with the expansion of its Fissure Sealant and Fluoride Varnish Program, thanks to the addition of three purpose built mobile dental vans.
Working with the Department of Education, the program is delivered to children across the State at targeted public schools using portable dental equipment.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government program has expanded from three pilot schools in 2014 to more than 80 schools annually and treats children who are getting their new back adult teeth (those around six and 12 years of age) and children in kindergarten.
Fissure sealants can help prevent tooth decay on the biting surfaces of back adult teeth and fluoride varnish can prevent decay and strengthen both baby and adult teeth. We know that it is important to take proactive steps to reduce tooth decay, as it can often lead to other health complications later in life.
Once applied, fissure sealants have been shown to protect against 80 per cent of cavities for two years and continue to protect against 50 per cent of cavities for up to four years. Children aged six to 11 years without sealants have almost three times more first molar cavities than children with sealants.
Not only are the new vans a great boost for patient care, they also provide a more ergonomic work environment for staff.
Just this week we announced a further boost for oral health services, which we know were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government is investing $5 million to provide around 20,000 appointments for public patients across emergency, general care and denture clinics so that more Tasmanians can get the dental care they need.
