Federal Dental Budget 2011

The Australian Dental Association Inc. (ADA) media release in response to the Federal Budget 2011, says that the ADA "is pleased that the Federal Government has listened to its concerns and has begun to address the workforce numbers and infrastructure problems that exist in the public sector".

However, the ADA has expressed great concern over the closure of the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS) from 31 December 2011. ADA President, Dr Shane Fryer, said “the closure of the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme will leave many chronically ill patients without subsidised access to much-needed quality dental care."

Federal Budget papers suggest that the CDDS is being removed to help fund the reintroduction of the Commonwealth Dental Health Program, allocated $290m over three years. 

The ADA has welcomed $53m funding for an intern scheme (employing 50 interns), originally proposed by the ADA, along with establishment of a new National Advisory Council on Dental Health.