ADA welcomes Senate calling for dental scheme report

The Australian Dental Association Inc. has welcomed the Senate calling on the Federal Government to present a full report on the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme to the Chamber next February.

The Coalition and the Greens combined last Thursday to pass a motion demanding that the Government provide a full report of the actions taken against the 41 dentists that so far have been found to be non-compliant with the scheme, the options considered by Medicare and the reasons for the course of action decided on. The Government has to report back to the Senate by 7 February - the first sitting day of the New Year.

In a media release issued on 25 November, ADA Inc. President Dr Shane Fryer, said: “We have repeatedly stated that it is grossly unfair for the Government to demand full repayment of the costs of much-needed dental care from dentists when they have genuinely provided services to needy patients".

“Yet Medicare has persisted in issuing this extreme penalty rather than a more suitable punishment, such as a small fine, more in keeping with a minor indiscretion like failing to complete some or all of the administrative components of the scheme”.