Greens target universal dental care in about two years

Greens Senator Richard Di Natale has spelt out his party’s plan for achieving universal dental care and to convince the Federal Government to make investments in future Budgets. Speaking on the Channel 10 program Meet the Press, he said it could take two or more years.

“We want to see a transformation beginning this Budget, with the promise of further investment in future budgets. That’s what we’re working on … ” he said . “Over the forward estimates, we think there needs to be a massive investment. There is no reason that people going to the dentist shouldn't be able to see a dentist the same way as they see a doctor – be able to charge it on Medicare. The mouth shouldn't be treated separately from the rest of the body and we're working hard to achieve that.”

Meanwhile a group of health and community organisations has called on the Government to fund a universal oral and dental health scheme. They say that the May Budget shouldprovide funds to treat children, the elderly, people with chronic and complex diseases, people in rural and remote areas and families on low incomes. The bodies are the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, the Australian Health Care Reform Alliance, the National Rural Health Alliance and Australian Council of Social Service.