Inequitable funding for dental care impacting on oral health outcomes

New data shows that disparity in funding for dental care compared with other areas of health. A timely reminder that the mouth is part of the body, and dental care should be funded the same way.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare have released the latest data on health expenditure for 2021-22, showing that real growth (adjusted for inflation) in total health spending (both recurrent and capital) was 6.0% more than in 2020-21 (Much higher than the average yearly growth rate over the decade of 3.4%). Overall the government share of health expenditure was 73% (44% for the federal government and 29% for state/territory governments), with the remaining 27% from individuals and other sources (including health funds).

Dental health expenditure increased slightly to $11.13 billion, representing 4.8% of recurrent health expenditure. Individuals continue to bear the majority of the cost of dental care, with out-of-pocket payments from individual making up 60% of total dental expenditure, and when health fund payments (which are essentially payments redirected from the individual) and other non-government sources are added, this increases to 80%. Total dental expenditure has increased 33% since 2011/12, with the individual out-of-pocket share increasing 41%, state government expenditure increasing 34% and federal government expenditure decreasing by 53% (as a result of the closure of the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme).

It is clear that, from a government funding perspective, dental health is the poor cousin in the health field. Other than for non-benefit funded medication, individuals contribute the highest proportion of health costs for dentistry. In contrast, governments fund 33% of private hospital care, 77% of referred medical services, 84% of unreferred medical services (such as GP visits) and 94% of public hospital care.

Around 1 in 6 (16%) Australians reported that cost was a reason for delaying or not seeing a dental professional, and the lack of government funding is clearly a factor. It is time for the Federal government to tackle this critical issue of funding for dental care to ensure that the good access that Australians have to health care extends to dental care.

Beyond Blue - Raising Funds to Support Mental Health

3 million people in Australia are living with anxiety or depression. Every day, nearly eight people take their own lives. Beyond Blue provides information and support to help every person in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.

I am passionate about raising awareness of the mental health challenges across the dental profession, and running is one of the things that I do for my own wellbeing. So I'm combining the two by trying to fundraise $1000 to help Beyond Blue whilst completing the Run Melbourne Half Marathon. Please help me by making a donation through my page.

It only takes a minute and any money you can give (no matter how large or small) will go a long way to helping me reach my target. Thank you, I really appreciate your support.