Dental care in Australia is largely privatised and nearly always expensive. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, almost one in five adults delay or don’t see a dentist due to cost. For those who can access the public system, staff are often overstretched and the long wait times mean crucial appointments come far too late. Guardian Australia health reporter Natasha May speaks to Reged Ahmed about how the perfect smile is a privilege increasingly available only to the wealthy. You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport