Joining the discussion are Peter Breadon, Program Director at the Grattan Institute, and Dr. Angie Nisson, Clinical Director of Oral Health in Northern NSW. They dive into the alarming state of dental health in Australia, emphasizing the need to include dental care in Medicare. The conversation highlights the financial strain on families, rising untreated dental issues, and the surprising link between oral health and overall well-being. They propose strategic reforms and cost-effective measures, making a compelling case for transforming dental care access in the country.
The exclusion of dental care from Medicare has resulted in significant financial strain for patients and a rise in untreated dental issues.
Integrating dental care into Medicare could require substantial investment and address workforce shortages to improve accessibility and overall health outcomes.
Deep dives
The Impact of Excluding Dental Care from Medicare
The exclusion of dental care from Medicare has had significant and lasting effects on the accessibility of oral health services in Australia. A substantial number of hospitalizations, estimated at 87,000, were due to preventable dental issues that arose because individuals could not afford timely care. Patients bear more than half of dental costs out of pocket, which is significantly higher than for other types of medical care, leading to increased financial strain and poorer health outcomes. The decision not to include dental services in Medicare, made several decades ago, continues to reverberate through both the healthcare system and the broader economy, affecting not only individual health but also overall productivity and economic well-being.
Challenges of Funding and Workforce in Dental Care
The financial implications of integrating dental care into the Medicare system pose notable challenges, as funding must be reallocated amidst increasing demands on government spending. Proposals suggest that a modest investment of around $7 to $8 billion annually could improve access, particularly for those most disadvantaged. However, concerns about workforce shortages in dental care complicate the picture, as there is currently a lack of professionals willing to work in under-resourced public health sectors, especially in rural areas. Addressing these workforce issues requires careful planning and targeted investment to ensure that a sustainable dental care workforce can meet the increasing demand.
Oral Health's Broader Implications on Overall Health
Oral health significantly influences general health, with poor dental conditions linked to various serious health issues such as heart disease and cognitive decline. The alarming statistic that one in a hundred children under the age of nine experienced hospitalizations due to dental issues highlights a critical public health concern. Additionally, increased consumption of sugary substances has contributed to a decline in oral health standards, demonstrating the need for preventive measures, such as a sugar tax, to reduce the prevalence of dental decay. The interconnectedness of oral health with mental and physical well-being underscores the urgency of improving access to dental care and addressing the systemic issues that lead to neglect.
Australians fork out much more on dental care than any other kind of health care. Which is why increasingly, people are delaying or skipping dental care, and 27% of kids aged between 5 and 10 had untreated decayed or missing teeth.
So should, or could dental care be brought under the Medicare umbrella, and what might this cost?
Guests:
Peter Breadon, Program Director for Health and Aged Care at the Grattan Institute
Dr Angie Nisson, Board Member of the Australia Dental Association and Clinical Director of Oral Health in Northern NSW
Dr Elizabeth Deveny, CEO of the Consumers Health Forum of Australia
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