Health Department at first hearing of dental inquiry

The Department of Health and Ageing is discussing key issues for the provision of dental care at today’s first public hearing of the Health and Ageing Committee’s inquiry into adult dental service being held in Canberra.

Committee chair, Jill Hall MP, said this hearing is an opportunity for the department to outline the current state of dental health in Australia and to respond to questions on what is an important aspect of health care.

“With up to 400,000 adults currently on public dental waiting lists in Australia, the Government needs to take action to improve accessibility to dental services for these individuals,” Ms Hall said. “The committee aims to identify the priorities for the National Partnership Agreement for adult public dental services so that those in need can get dental care regardless of where they live.”