Expert Report Calls for $10 Billion Dental Scheme
A report compiled by dental experts in Australia has been released by the government.
The report, which was commissioned by the government, has been put together by a panel of dental experts with the aim of discussing the issue of a new universal dental scheme. Last week information about the report was included in articles in the Australian press, but the report has now been officially released.
The predominant point to come out of the report is support for a new scheme, which would cost around $10 billion but would make a radical difference to standards of oral health in the country and cut costs in the future.
The report urged the government to bring in a Medicare-style system, which would improve access to dental services and make a dramatic difference to children and those on low incomes.
The National Advisory Council on Dental Health was established by the government last year following a request from the Greens, who have been campaigning for better dental care since they joined the coalition government after the last general election.
Currently, around 400,000 people are waiting an average of 27 months for dental treatment, with some forced to wait more than five years.
Surveys have also revealed that rates of decay among children have increased, despite the introduction of fluoridation, which made a huge difference during the 1990s. Research shows that children living in rural and poor areas have high rates of decay.
Access to dental care is also a concern for adults, with national surveys showing that a considerable proportion of people are avoiding going to the dentist because the cost is too high. In recent years, more than a third of adults have admitted delaying or cancelling an appointment because of cost.
In light of the report and continued campaigning by the Green party, the government is expected to increase spending on dental care in the May Budget.
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