Dentists welcome targeted dental scheme

The Australian Dental Association Inc. cautiously welcomed the National Advisory Council on Dental Health’s report released on 27 February. The report recognises the necessity to target the disadvantaged and the long-term benefits of improving access to dental care for children and lower income adults. It recommends Federal, State and Territory Governments invest more than $10 billion over four years to improve oral health.

ADA President, Dr Shane Fryer, said: “Dentists support the focus on improving delivery of dental services to children and disadvantaged adults. The ADA is supportive of the report’s emphasis on community oral health education and early intervention”.

In its report, the Council notes "that a comprehensive response for those facing access barriers is potentially very costly. Achieving better access across the population would require a level of funding many times above current government expenditure on oral health".

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the Government would consider the report as it continues to examine options for public dental care. The Greens are hopeful the report will convince the Government to commit to a universal dental health plan.

ADA has long advocated a targeted scheme for people who cannot afford to access quality dental care.