Have your say on the future of oral health in rural Victoria

The average number of teeth with untreated decay in the State’s rural areas is 18% higher in children and 47% higher in adults compared with metropolitan areas for patients presenting to public dental clinics, according to Dental Health Services Victoria.

Likewise, the average number of teeth affected by decay in rural areas is 29% higher in children and 5% higher in adults compared with metropolitan areas.

DHSV’s figures show that 59% of children presenting to public dental clinics in rural areas have had a history of tooth decay compared with 51% metro.

The data was released to coincide with the agency announcing that Victorians can take part in formulating the agency’s Strategic Plan for 2016-2021.

CEO Dr Deborah Cole (pictured) said: “We believe that every Victorian, no matter where they live or what they earn, should be able to live free from the pain, suffering and social stigma associated with poor oral health”.