New research on access to dental care

A new survey on access to dental care, released by Australia Fair, has revealed that:

• 90% of people think that regular visits to the dentist are important to maintain healthy teeth and mouths;
• 23% of people say they haven’t seen a dentist in over 2 years;
• 46% of people reported that it would be difficult for them to pay for basic preventative treatment ($300) today;
• 75% of people stated that the Federal Government must at least share the funding for dental care and only 5% think it is State Government responsibility alone;
• 46% of people stated that the cost of dental care influences their decision to see a dentist regularly.

The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) is a participating body in Australia Fair, and ACOSS Executive Director Andrew Johnson said, "This research reinforces the fact that Australia has a crisis in access to dental care, particularly for low income and disadvantaged Australians."

Australia Fair has also released a broadcast-quality clip on You Tube, an online letter which Australians can e-mail to their Federal MPs asking for Federal Government support for dental care for people on low incomes, and a participation kit for local groups to find out more about oral health.