Oral health in Australia has seen significant improvement over the last thirty years. This progress is mainly due to the expansion of drinking water fluoridation and the dental workforce. Despite this, a 2023 senate report on access to dental services highlighted some ongoing issues. On average, each adult in Australia spends about A$432 (€255) on dental care annually. However, the high spending doesn’t match the country’s high tooth decay and loss rates.
Current Oral Health Statistics
The senate report revealed some concerning statistics about oral health in Australia:
- 25% of children aged 5 to 10 years have untreated dental cavities.
- 4% of people aged 15 years and older have no teeth (edentulism).
- Australians aged 35–54 years have an average of more than ten decayed, missing, or filled teeth.
- Most people aged 75 years or older have teeth that are either missing, decayed or have been restored.
According to the report, 32.1% of adults had untreated tooth decay, a 6.6% increase from 2004, and 28.8% had gum disease, up by 9%. Less than half of Australians had a dental check-up in the previous 12 months.
ADA data from last year shows the average cost of a dental check-up in Australia, including cleaning and fluoride treatment, was A$219. Restoring one surface on a back tooth costs around A$178, and a veneered complete crown can cost between A$1,250 and A$2,100. High costs lead to four in ten people avoiding the dentist.
In 2020, Australia spent A$11.1 billion on dental care, compared to A$220.9 billion on overall healthcare. Patients paid 59% of the dental spend, 20% was covered by private health insurers, and the remaining 20% was funded by federal and local governments.
The Dental Workforce
There are 26,563 registered dental professionals, a 29% increase from 2013. Dental Therapists: They treat mainly children under the supervision of a dentist. They perform tasks like filling cavities and extracting primary teeth.
- Oral Health Therapists: They treat children and adults and must be qualified in dental therapy and dental hygiene.
- Dental Hygienists: They perform preventive care and can also take impressions. Also, they perform orthodontic care, remove braces, and place wires.
In 2020, 95% of registered and employed dentists worked in private practices, while only 4.9% worked in public clinics. About one in ten dentists were specialists, with orthodontists being the largest group.
Dental Care in Remote Areas
Australia is a vast country with a low population density, making accessing dental care in remote areas challenging. In 2020, Australia had 57.9 full-time equivalent (FTE) dental practitioners per 100,000 people. Still, this rate varied significantly between states and dropped to 26.3 in remote areas.
The Growing and Digitizing Dental Industry
The dental industry in Australia is growing and becoming more digitized. Most dental suppliers and manufacturers are in major metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne.
Dental clinics invest in new technologies such as 3D printing and digital platforms that improve communication and help diagnose and treat patients. Practices are also adopting next-generation business database systems to improve efficiency and patient retention.
Notable Dental Hospitals in Australia
Australia is home to several notable dental hospitals that offer comprehensive dental care:
- Dental Hospital Melbourne: Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and wide range of dental services.
- Adelaide Dental Hospital: Offers high-quality dental care and education, mainly through its partnership with the University of Adelaide.
- Westmead Dental Hospital: Located in Sydney, this hospital provides extensive dental services and is an essential training centre for dental students.
- Casuarina Dental Clinic: Located in the Northern Territory, this clinic focuses on providing accessible dental care to remote communities.
- Dental Hospital Carlton: Another major dental hospital in Melbourne, known for its excellent patient care and advanced dental treatments.
Finding a Dental Hospital Near You
When looking for a dental hospital near me, it is essential to consider the quality of care, services offered, and patient reviews. Many Australians rely on reputable hospitals like the Dental Hospital Sydney for their dental needs.
Conclusion
Dental hospitals in Australia offer various services and treatments. However, there are still significant barriers to access, especially in remote areas. Whether you’re looking for a dental hospital in Melbourne, Adelaide Dental Hospital, or Westmead Dental Hospital, choosing a facility that provides high-quality care and meets your dental needs is essential.