Senate’s Survey on Dental Services in Australia: Have Your Say

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Senate is actively seeking input from the public to inform its decision-making process regarding the provision of dental services in the country. Your participation can play a crucial role in shaping the future of dental care in Australia. Here’s how you can get involved.

Senate’s Call for Participation

On March 8, 2023, the Australian Senate took a significant step by establishing the Select Committee into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia. This committee is dedicated to addressing the pressing issues surrounding dental care accessibility and quality.

The Select Committee has set clear deadlines for its work. An interim report was due by June 20, 2023, with a final report scheduled for November 28, 2023. These reports will serve as critical documents in shaping the future of dental services in Australia.

To ensure that a wide range of perspectives is considered, the committee invited submissions from the public. The submission period closed on June 4, 2023, but there are still ways for you to get involved.

Senate Inquiry Commences Public Hearing on Dental Care Access in Australia

Sharing Your Experiences

The committee is particularly interested in hearing about people’s real-life experiences when it comes to accessing dental services in Australia. Your input can provide valuable insights that influence policy decisions.

However, it’s essential to understand the scope of the committee’s work. While they are eager to hear your experiences, they cannot provide individual advice, advocate for specific cases, or take action on individual matters. For personalised assistance or information regarding dental services, they have provided a Support Services list for your reference.

Ways to Participate

You have two main avenues for participation:

• Make a Submission: Share your experiences, concerns, and suggestions by writing to the committee. This process is called making a submission. Most submissions are made public on the committee’s website, remaining accessible even after the inquiry concludes. If you wish to maintain privacy, you can request that your submission not be published on the internet or be published anonymously.
• Complete the Survey: The committee has created a survey designed to gather information on dental care experiences in Australia. It’s a simple way to have your voice heard and contribute to the decision-making process.

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