Coalition set to increase funding for Indigenous dental services
The Coalition in Australia has announced a pledge of 54 million dollars to support the Indigenous population.
Senator Nigel Scullion, the Indigenous affairs spokesman has travelled to Alice Springs to unveil the new policy. The party has promised to spend the money on tackling unemployment, improving dental services and providing better education.
Several studies and surveys have found that standards of oral health are extremely low amongst the Indigenous population; often, there is a lack of accessible, affordable care and people are not getting the care they need.
Poor standards of dental care are a major problem across all demographics in Australia; many dentists and consumer groups have come out and attacked the government for not recognising oral health as an integral part of general health policy. Oral health has been neglected in recent years and consequently, waiting lists are lengthy across the country. In the lead up to this election, all parties have put oral health on the agenda and dentists are pleased that oral health is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
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