Australian Denticare Scheme Backed by Experts
Experts charged with compiling a report for the Australian Government on the issue of a new Denticare system has backed a universal scheme championed by the Green Party.
The introduction of a Denticare scheme is the predominant recommendation of the expert report. It would provide oral healthcare for all young people and low income families.
The advisory panel, which was commissioned by Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, last year has called for a new system to improve access to affordable dental care for millions of Australians.
The Denticare system, which would cost billions of dollars to establish, has been the ultimate goal for the Green Party since they agreed to join the coalition government when Labour failed to gain the majority at the general election.
Despite a hard-fought campaign by the Greens, Labour has put the back burners on a scheme. They state that there is simply not enough money to introduce it, but pressure on them is increasing and they seem to be coming around to the idea.
The report was commissioned after figures revealed that thousands of people struggle to access even the most basic dental services. Remote areas are worst-affected.
The government recently pledged $165 million to improve dental services for underprivileged people. However, the Greens are holding out for more and the report will hopefully give their quest more impetus.
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