Dental experts warn against funding cuts
Dental experts in Australia have warned against funding cuts for oral health services.
Experts say that the planned move to axe $340 million of funding for dental healthcare will create a “public health disaster.” Last year New South Wales received $370 million in Medicare Chronic Disease Dental Scheme from the Commonwealth funding pot; however, officials have confirmed that this year, only 30.4 million dollars will be provided.
Hans Zoellner, head of oral pathology at the University of Sydney, said that the funding cuts would apply even greater pressure to existing oral healthcare systems in New South Wales. He also added that trying to make out that the cuts would have no impact on the public was “farcical.”
Oral health experts are keen to stress that good oral health is essential for good general health, as numerous studies have now confirmed a link between poor oral health and an increased risk of several serious diseases, including heart disease, strokes and diabetes. If funding is cut, experts have warned that the number of people suffering from oral health diseases, as well as potentially life-threatening conditions, will increase. In the long-term, cutting funding will increase the amount of money spent on medical care, as more people will require treatment. Investing in preventative care would decrease spending in the future, according to experts.
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