DRA DIGEST: August 2023 edition

Welcome to DRA DIGEST — the Newsletter of Dental Resource Asia (DRA).

Dear DRA Digest Community,

It’s time for another edition of DRA Digest, the first multi-language newsletter for the dental community in Asia Pacific. With a commitment to sharing the latest insights and advancements in dental care, we aim to foster a strong network of professionals dedicated to oral health.

In this month’s NEWS section, we feature a groundbreaking study that could reshape public health and finances in Australia: The imposition of a 20% national sugar tax.

Recent research conducted over six years by Tan Nguyen, a PhD candidate at Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, in collaboration with Deakin University and the University of Melbourne, has unveiled remarkable findings. The study demonstrates that implementing a sugar tax could lead to substantial cost savings of over $60 million for the nation, while also preventing more than 500,000 dental cavities over a decade.

As it stands, over 50 countries worldwide have already embraced sugar taxes with remarkable results. Lower-income households experience reduced consumption, promoting health equity. Nguyen highlights the potential to redirect tax revenue towards funding universal dental care, addressing a critical gap in public health coverage.

As the sugar tax proposal gains momentum, its potential for better dental health and fiscal well-being is undeniable. The implications for policymakers and health experts are significant, offering a viable solution to safeguarding oral health and public resources not only in Australia, but perhaps other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Stay tuned for more enriching updates, groundbreaking studies, and thought-provoking dental stories in the coming months. Together, we’re paving the way for a healthier, happier tomorrow.

Happy Reading!

Yours Sincerely,
The DRA Digest Team

NEWS

PRODUCTS