ADIA Commends Senate Committee’s Recommendations for Oral Health Reform

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) extends congratulations to the Senators of the Senate Select Committee Inquiry into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia for the release of their Final Report. 

This commendation comes in response to the Committee’s responsiveness during the consultation period, where an alliance of 14 peak oral health organisations, led by ADIA, issued an Open Letter urging the recommendation for the appointment of a Commonwealth Chief Oral Health Officer. The Committee has heeded this call, reflecting in Recommendations 4 and 33 in the recently released Final Report.

Australian Government Urged to Address Dental Disparities

Key Appointment to Drive National Approach

The appointment of a Chief Dental and Oral Health Officer is viewed as a pivotal step in the implementation of key recommendations addressing the pressing need for improvements in oral health across Australia. 

With the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data on Oral Health emphasising the persistent barrier of cost to oral healthcare access, the Committee’s focus on a coordinated national approach signals a significant development.

Senate Inquiry Commences Public Hearing on Dental Care Access in Australia

Alarming Statistics Highlighting the Need for Change

Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare underscores the ongoing challenge of cost as a deterrent to oral healthcare access for many Australians. Shocking statistics reveal that approximately 80,000 people in Australia undergo hospitalisation annually for dental conditions that could have been largely prevented with regular preventive oral healthcare. 

The rate of preventable hospitalisation for dental conditions is particularly high among children aged 5-9 and over one-third higher for Indigenous Australians compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. With less than half of Australians aged 15 and over visiting a dental professional in the last 12 months, the nation faces significant oral health challenges.

The Senate Select Committee’s inquiry has once again highlighted the imperative need for action to reverse the current state of oral health in Australia. The recommendations provide a roadmap to work towards, emphasising the critical role oral health plays in overall health and well-being. By addressing oral health concerns, benefits such as a lowered risk of heart disease and diabetes can be realised, while Australians gain the ability to smile with confidence, free from oral pain and discomfort.

Oral health of older Australians at risk due to lack of government action on dental care

ADIA’s Role and Vision

As the peak body representing suppliers and manufacturers of products, equipment, and services to Australia’s oral health practitioners, ADIA envisions an industry that empowers oral health professionals to enhance the well-being of all Australians. ADIA members contribute cutting-edge products and technology to improve access to oral healthcare, especially in rural and remote areas, aged care, and disability settings.

The ADIA expresses gratitude to Senators Jordon Steele-John, Fatima Payman, Ross Cadell, Wendy Askew, and Marielle Smith for their pivotal role in advancing improvements in oral health for all Australians. The association urges the Australian Government to heed these crucial recommendations and collaborate with the Oral Health profession to realise equitable access to oral health for the entire population.