A Senate inquiry has thrown down the gauntlet to the federal government to provide Australians with access to universal dental and oral care.
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With one in three adults having untreated tooth decay, one in five regularly experiencing toothache and one in 10 with severe tooth loss (less than 21 teeth), the bipartisan select committee's report describes the nation's dental care as "a system in decay".
The report said dental care affordability is a major barrier, especially for those on low incomes, including people with concession or health care cards.
The inquiry heard that in January 2023, NSW public dental services had more than 55,000 adults on their treatment wait list and a further 25,000 waiting for assessment.
The report highlights the dental problems of older people, particularly those in aged care and those with dementia. "At present, many older people do not receive the routine care that is essential to maintaining good oral health," it says.
A 2023 survey conducted by Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia indicated dental services were the most difficult health or medical service for older people to access.
Affordability and timely access to dental and oral health services were found to be the biggest challenges impacting older people's ability to successfully manage their oral health.
"This inquiry has brought to light the significant amount of reform that is needed across state, territory and federal governments to improve access to oral healthcare," said committee chairman Senator Jordon Steele-John.
"From the survey conducted by this inquiry, 97 per cent of people agree that the government should make more dental healthcare free."
The committee recommended the federal government work with states and territories to achieve universal access to dental and oral health care, through Medicare or a similar scheme.
It also recommended the establishment of a seniors dental benefit scheme and implementation of the oral health care recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
It wants the government to formally recognise oral health as an essential part of general health and calls for the development of a taskforce overseen by a chief dental and oral health officer, to identify and progress opportunities to integrate oral and dental health care into primary health care.
Other recommendations include increasing the role of dental hygienists and other oral health therapists; supporting universities in regional areas to establish dental schools; and incentivising providers to practice in regional and remote areas.
