Greens health spokesperson, Senator Richard Di Natale, said today that today’s report into health from the COAG Reform Council confirms the need for a national dental health scheme.

“This COAG report is evidence of why Australia needs a new national dental scheme.

“Nobody’s bank balance should determine their health, especially in a wealthy country like Australia. However the report confirms that the cost of dental treatment remains a major barrier to access for many Australians.”

According to the report, more than a quarter of people (26.4%) report financial barriers to seeing a dentist.

“The report confirms that access to dental treatment is the most inequitable area of the healthcare system. There is a much stronger correlation between levels of disadvantage and inability to access treatment than in any other area of healthcare.

“There is no medical reason to treat the mouth differently to the rest of the body. Oral health is just as important as general healthcare.

“Going to a dentist should be just like going to a GP.”

Media contact: Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600