Health Debate: All Bark - No Bite

Lamenting the National Press Club’s Health Debate, ADA Federal President Dr Karin Alexander said that it lacked detail about dental health policy.

“It’s quite extraordinary that at this national health debate, both the Health Minister Tanya Plibersek and Shadow Minister Peter Dutton used their mouths to make points about health policy – yet did not explain how dental health can be further improved after the Federal Election,” she said

“While both parties support the Child Dental Benefits Scheme, they have not detailed whether this approach will be broadened to target disadvantaged adults, and if so, how this would occur. Taxpayers’ dollars need to be used effectively and efficiently. “

Dr Alexander said that disadvantaged Australians, who have the most complex dental needs, have been overlooked by the two major parties and the Greens. (The Greens propose a Medicare-type scheme which provides a restricted and basic suite of dental services.) 

Note: ADA has issued reminders to the major political parties to send their formal responses for its Federal Election Report Card Questions on Dental Health Policy. To date, only the Greens have responded to the invitation.