Study Reveals Financial Struggles in Dental Care Access for Older Australians

AUSTRALIA: New research conducted by COTA (Council On The Aging) Australia reveals concerning trends regarding dental care among older Australians. 

The study found that nearly four in ten individuals aged 55 and above have delayed or avoided dental visits due to financial constraints. This underscores a pressing need for accessible dental care solutions, particularly for older individuals on lower incomes.

Urgent Call for Action

Patricia Sparrow, CEO of COTA Australia, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue and urged policymakers to take swift action. Sparrow highlighted the crucial role of good oral health in maintaining overall well-being and stressed the need for government intervention to ensure affordable dental care for older Australians.

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

Sparrow stated, “The fact that we’ve got four in every ten older Australians skipping or delaying their dental care should be a real wake-up call to our politicians. Good oral health is vital for maintaining good overall health, and the risks of not getting the care people need can be incredibly serious – even life-threatening in some extreme cases.”

The study findings underscore the imperative for immediate action from the Federal Government to implement a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme. This scheme, endorsed by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, aims to provide essential dental care for all residents of nursing homes, pensioners, and holders of Seniors Healthcare Cards.

Sparrow emphasized, “Having dental bulk billed through Medicare would ensure people can get the care they need, limit the number of people getting ill as a result of not getting the care they need, and will help address our current cost of living crisis.”

Call for Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme to Ensure Access to Dental Services

Proactive Steps for Oral Health

While awaiting improvements in the dental care system, Dr. Sarah Raphael from the Australian Dental Association NSW Branch recommends proactive steps for maintaining oral health at home. These include performing oral hygiene twice daily, eating a diet low in added sugar, and staying well hydrated. Raphael also stresses the importance of regular dental check-ups for preventive care.

Raphael stated, “Ensuring that they have regular preventive dental visits in their senior years is the best way to avoid these consequences.”

As financial barriers continue to hinder access to dental care for older Australians, advocacy efforts and policy interventions are crucial to address this pressing public health issue.