Dentists welcome budget increase for public dental services, and urge government to do more

The Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB) welcomes the announcement in the Victorian Budget of an increase in funding for public dental services, acknowledging the commitment from both the State and Federal Governments to improving the oral health of vulnerable Victorians. The 2018/19 budget will see $267.4 million invested in public oral health.

“This increase in funding will ensure that more people receive much needed care,” said ADAVB President Dr Susan Wise. “The ADAVB has advocated for a number of years that public dental funding has not kept pace with population growth in Victoria, where there is now more than 2.5 million people eligible for public dental care. This boost in funding announced in the State Budget will ensure that more people receive care. However, only 400,000 patients received care last year and there is still much more that needs to be done.”

ADAVB CEO Associate Professor Matt Hopcraft said, “It is still disappointing to see that the target waiting time for general dental care is 23 months, which is an unacceptable waiting time for dental care. Many people are experiencing a significant deterioration in their oral health while they languish on waiting lists. We continue to hear stories where poor oral health is preventing people from participating fully in society, and particularly in finding employment.”

Some of the additional funding is coming from the reinstatement of the National Partnership Agreement on Public Dental Services for Adults, and the ADAVB is pleased to see this commitment to public dentistry from the Federal Government. The ADAVB looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Victorian Government and other key stakeholders to ensure that more vulnerable Victorians can receive timely access to dental care and improve their oral health and well-being.