Australian Dental Association priorities for the 2017-18 Federal Budget
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has released a pre-budget submission, the Australian Dental Health Plan (ADHP), as a sustainable funding model for dental care. According to the ADA, implementation of the ADHP would enable all Australians to access equitable, timely and appropriate oral healthcare. The overall dental and general health of the community would be improved, resulting in reductions in preventable hospitalisations and general health care expenses.
In its submission regarding priorities for the 2017-18 Federal Budget, the ADA stated that 30% of Australians have less than optimal oral health. Many are reported to spend excessive periods waiting to receive only basic dental care and by that time, their condition has progressed into severe disease.
The ADHP model closely reflects the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) but provides for some modifications that will create a uniform effective model for all schemes that are implemented. It aligns the government’s efforts with the National Oral Health Plan and allows for appropriate utilisation of the available dental workforce.
The ADA believes the change of Health Minister provides an opportunity for the Government to give a much-needed reinvigoration to dental health policy. President of the ADA, Dr Hugo Sachs, said, “The ADA is hopeful that alongside the Australian Government’s plans to reform the pricing and funding of prostheses, Minister Hunt will take a closer look at general treatment (extras) policies.”
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