Funding Boost Helps To Reduce Dental Waiting Lists In Canberra
A cash injection for dental services has helped to reduce waiting lists in the Australian Capital Territory.
The federal and state governments confirmed that increased funding has helped to reduce waiting lists in the area; the Australian Capital Territory received $5.5 million after becoming the first region to sign up to a new Commonwealth dental scheme, which was announced in the 2012-2013 budget.
It is estimated that around 170 people have been removed from the waiting list as a result of the new dental partnership scheme; this includes 80 patients from the general waiting list and 90 patients from the denture waiting list.
Health minister, Tanya Plibersek, said that it was positive news that the scheme has already made an impact and allowed more people in the area to receive the dental treatment they need.
Katy Gallagher, chief minister and health minister, also confirmed that all patients who required emergency dental treatment were seen within 24 hours; however, waiting lists are still lengthy for non-urgent dental treatment, with an estimated waiting time of 12 months. This is the shortest waiting time in the country but it is still a long time for patients to wait and Ms Gallagher confirmed that efforts were being made to try and increase the capacity for public dental treatment.
Ms Plibersek commended the ACT system, saying that investment in dental care has clearly paid off.
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