Dentists cautiously welcome dental legislation

Dentists today cautiously welcomed the passage of the Dental Benefits Amendment Bill, which allocates $2.7 billion for up to 3.4 million children to access dental services through Medicare. The President of the Australian Dental Association, Dr Karin Alexander, said: “The Australian Dental Association urges the Government to work closely with the dental profession to develop the detail of this dental scheme for children so that appropriate dental care is provided as efficiently as possible. There is now an opportunity for the Government to ensure that the schedule of services available for children under the subordinate legislation is comprehensive, i.e. inclusive of all relevant preventive and therapeutic services.”
Greens Senator Richard Di Natale said the legislation “is part of a broader package I announced with the Health Minister in August, which will see a $1.3 billion investment in the public dental system and further investment in the dental workforce and infrastructure” .The Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association welcomed the passage of the Bill. CEO Ms Prue Power said: “As poor dental health can cause a range of health and social problems, including chronic illnesses, social difficulties and barriers to entering employment, there will be ongoing benefits as children grow into adulthood”.