Australian dentists disappointed with new health reform
The Australian Dental Association has expressed disappointment at the new health reform.
The new government, along with federal governments, have pledged millions of dollars to shakeup the current health system. However, the reforms have been criticised by many experts as some key areas, including mental health, care for the elderly and dental care, have been brushed aside.
The ADA said that the government has once again neglected dental care. Head of the association, Robert Boyd-Boland, said the reform bill is almost silent on the issue of dental care, suggesting that reforms in the system are far off.
Representatives from health boards and organisations associated with mental health and aged care said that the reform bill is not too disappointing because the government has suggested other initiatives and measures specifically designed for these areas of healthcare. However, no such promises have been made on the subject of dentistry and dentists are worried about the future.
Currently, many areas in Australia have lengthy waiting lists for dental treatment and rates of decay amongst children are increasing. Dentists campaigned for new measures and investment to tackle these issues but their pleas seem to have been ignored.
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