Australian Government Urged to Address Dental Disparities

AUSTRALIA: Australians are grappling with the increasing financial burden of maintaining good oral health, as dental costs alone soared to $4.5 billion between 2019 and 2020. The affordability gap is leaving vulnerable groups, particularly older adults, exposed to untreated dental issues, prompting concerns from the Australian Dental Association (ADA) over the nation’s oral health trajectory.

Unmet Oral Health Needs Among Vulnerable Groups

A stark reality is emerging as 1 in 3 adults in Australia are estimated to have untreated tooth decay, coupled with a similar proportion facing untreated periodontitis, a precursor to severe health conditions such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, stroke, and kidney disease. 

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

Vulnerable demographics, including seniors, Indigenous Australians, those with disabilities, and low-income earners, are feeling the impact of these rising costs, often unable to afford necessary dental care.

The ADA, under the leadership of its new President, Dr Scott Davis, has sounded the alarm, urging the government to address this pressing public health problem. Davis emphasizes the urgent need for dental schemes tailored to the most vulnerable populations, rather than attempting to integrate dentistry into Medicare, a move estimated to cost $7.6 billion annually.

Seniors Dental Benefit Schedule Proposal

Dr. Davis proposes leveraging existing legislation, specifically the Dental Benefits Act and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule framework, to establish targeted dental benefit schemes. He advocates for the creation of a Seniors Dental Benefit Schedule, focusing on the 200,000 seniors in aged care, at an annual cost of $100 million. The ADA sees this as a cost-effective alternative to a broader Medicare inclusion.

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Dr. Sarah Raphael, Advisory Services Manager at the Australian Dental Association NSW Branch, emphasizes the importance of preventive measures for good oral health. She recommends simple yet effective practices such as regular toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, denture care, a low-sugar diet, and staying hydrated with tap water. Dr. Raphael underscores the value of regular preventive dental visits, urging Australians to prioritize oral health to avoid more severe consequences.

The ADA’s call for targeted dental benefit schemes addresses the immediate challenges faced by vulnerable groups, presenting a more financially viable alternative to the broader Medicare integration.