Dental scheme helps Tasmanian children - ALP

Labor claims that about 26,000 Tasmanian children benefited in a single year from a dental scheme expected to be axed by the Federal Government.

The Launceston Examiner report says that figures released by Tasmanian Senator Carol Brown (right) show that the Child Dental Benefits Schedule provided $6.5 million and 109,000 services to Tasmanian children in 2014-15. This equated to about 26,000 children.

Health Minister Sussan Ley is examining the effectiveness of the scheme as part of the Government’s dental reforms. She has indicated cutting the program, claiming a low take-up. A Health Department review found that the program was a success, but said it suffered from a lack of promotion.

The ADA is vigorously campaigning to save the scheme, saying axing it would leave some three million children nationally with reduced access to essential preventive treatment. People are urged to sign an online petition to continue the scheme, which can be easily circulated through social media.