Dental Scheme Cuts Biting In Australia
The cessation of the Chronic Dental Disease Scheme is already biting in Australia.
The scheme, which provided dental cover for people suffering from chronic health conditions, was axed at the beginning of December as part of an overhaul of the state dental system. Previously, people who were diagnosed with long-term illnesses were entitled to cover worth $4250 in a two-year period, but many will now be left without any financial assistance. In the summer, Health minister, Tanya Plibersek, announced that the scheme would cease and be replaced with a universal system, which provides free dental care for millions of children.
Gregory Savage is one of those already feeling the strain after the closure of the CDDS; the 61 year old has a condition called familial adenomatous polyposis, which has contributed to him suffering from poor oral health because he is unable to chew and digest his food properly and his teeth have become very worn. Mr Savage was previously entitled to subsidised dental care but since the scheme closed, he has had to borrow money off his sister to pay a dental bill of around $430 for three fillings.
Mr Savage said that he was “very bitter about the matter” and accused the government of failing to provide suitable assistance for those in need.
Health ministers had previously raised concerns about people abusing the system, but Kathleen Parry, a former recipient of CDDS benefits, said that there should have been changes to regulation of the system, rather than a change, which left people without any access to affordable dental care.
The first phase of the new dental system, which focuses on children, will come into play next January, with the second phase, due to launch in July.
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