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The Challenge
People experiencing poverty and disadvantage in NSW continue to have poorer oral health outcomes than the general population. They are unable to afford private dental care and are having to wait long periods for, or struggle to access, public dental care. Across NSW, people are ending up in hospital due to dental issues that could have been prevented through better access to dental care, with young children, older people, First Nations and regional communities most impacted.
The Facts
- 1 in 5 people (21%) are delaying visits to the dentist due to cost – even higher for people in regional NSW (30%) and those without private health insurance.
- Dental conditions are now the leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in NSW, costing the NSW health system approximately $147 million.
- For children 0-14, tooth decay and cavities lead to hospital visits 19 times more than dental injury.
- Majority of dental care in NSW is delivered through the private health system (87%), but half the population (49%) can’t afford private health insurance
Our Position
Every person in NSW, regardless of income, location or background, can easily access affordable, high-quality preventive oral healthcare.
Policy Priority
Description
Better awareness of, and access to, quality dental care
Increase investment in public dental services, including through the expansion of mobile dental programs in primary schools and remote communities
More financial support to access private dental care
Support people with the out-of-pocket costs of private dental care, including through expanding travel and accommodation subsidies to general dental care, introducing a voucher for pensioners and increasing uptake of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Culturally safe dental care and clean drinking water for First Nations communities
Increase investment in culturally appropriate, First Nations-led dental care and ensuring all First Nations communities across NSW can access clean drinking water, including fluoridation where feasible.
