Children missing out on dental check-ups in Western Australia
A report has revealed that an increasing number of children are missing out on dental check-ups in Western Australia.
The health department’s annual metropolitan health service annual report for 2009/2010 showed that fewer children are receiving routine dental examinations and screening at schools in the region; the report also confirmed that more children were suffering from tooth decay than in the previous year.
The report also confirmed that screening programmes for decay are not reaching enough children; over the course of the last five years, fewer children have been screened and consequently decay is becoming increasingly prevalent. Last year, only 76.8 percent of pre-school children and only 80 percent of primary school children were screened, which falls below the target of 85 percent.
The falling rates of screening are largely due to staff shortages; in some areas, staff shortages have resulted in school clinics closing.
The report also showed that waiting time for dental treatment has increased to 13 months and the figures suggested that an increasing number of adults on low incomes are struggling to access affordable care.
In light of the report, officials in Western Australia are trying to increase recruitment and improve access to affordable care for both children and adults. Representatives from the health board are trying to improve screening in schools and are hoping to recruit more staff to ensure targets are reached in the future.
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