Federal budget a missed opportunity to improve oral health

The Dental Hygienists Association of Australia (DHAA) is disappointed to see that the 2024/25 Federal Budget provides no relief for the many Australians struggling to access appropriate oral health care.

DHAA National President, Associate Professor Carol Tran, says that the latest Budget is a missed opportunity to recognise oral health as a key component of general health and to take pragmatic steps towards supporting improved early intervention and management of the oral components of chronic conditions through the primary health care system.

“We are pleased to see the government’s commitment to continued funding for the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s dental program. Given the significant additional access issues rural and remote Australians experience when seeking dental services, this is a welcome and much-needed investment”, said A/Professor Tran.

“But a broader focus on oral health and oral diseases are needed. Australians need a health system that improves access to oral health services and recognises the close connection between oral disease, chronic health conditions, and overall wellbeing.”

“Globally we know that oral diseases are the most common non-communicable disease globally and have the greatest disease burden. Despite the quality of health and public health measures in Australia, around one third of adults over the age of 15 have untreated decay and moderate or severe periodontitis. This rate has increased from around one-quarter (23%) in 2004–06.”

“We also know that oral diseases can cause physical and psychological disability as well as being directly associated with several chronic diseases, including diabetes, stroke, dementia and cardiovascular disease. Improving oral health and management of oral diseases is an essential way of improving health outcomes for people with chronic health conditions”, said A/Professor Tran.

While oral diseases contribute significantly to the overall disease burden experienced by Australians, most oral diseases can be prevented and managed. The DHAA Pre-Budget Submission called for investment in early intervention and support for people to manage oral disease and associated chronic conditions by expanding access to the Medicare Chronic Disease Program for dental hygienists, oral health therapists, and dental therapists.

“Oral diseases and poor oral health most significantly impact those with lower incomes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, those living in rural and remote settings, people living with mental illness, people with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities, people with complex medical needs and frail older people.”

“Many of those most impacted by oral diseases and chronic conditions are not accessing regular dental services for a range of reasons, particularly affordability. By providing increased access to oral health care in primary care settings through Medicare, we can begin addressing some of these access issues.”

“Collectively our members comprise highly-trained, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra)-registered oral health professionals with a key role in the dental team. We work directly with dentists and dental specialists, as well as providing independent services focus on assessing oral health, providing non-invasive treatment, developing oral health care plans, and providing patient education”, said A/Professor Tran.

“Allowing our members to access Medicare rebates will help bridge the gap between the primary health system and the dental sector, by providing affordable and accessible early intervention oral health services that can be delivered in a wide range of settings including GP offices, telehealth services, allied health clinics, indivudual’s homes and residential facilities.”

“GPs will be able to refer patients with chronic health conditions for assessment and management of their oral health. In many cases our members will be able to help the person to manage and improve their oral health, which in turn can help them to better manage conditions such as diabetes as well as common oral diseases.”

“Where more complex support is needed, we can help to ensure the individual can access appropriate restorative dental care.”

DHAA also welcomes the investment of $23.1 million to continue the MBS Continuous Review program and $22.1 million to continue support for preventive health and chronic disease research, in support of the National Preventive Health Strategy 2021–2030.

Both programs are an important foundation for further Medicare reforms to better enable multidisciplinary care and improved access to oral and dental care.

Media contact:
Bill Suen
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0412831669