Major parties ignoring dental health : New poll shows Greens 'Denticare'
proposal popular
The Australian Greens would use a stronger voice in federal parliament
to push for increased funding for dental health, including a universal
'denticare' scheme.
A national Galaxy poll of over 1000 people shows that 82% of Australians
would support the federal government establishing a universal
dental-care scheme.
Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown, who will visit a suburban dental
clinic in Sydney today, said that the Greens denticare system would help
the 500,000+ Australians on dental waiting lists.
"The Greens will act in Parliament to establish a universal basic dental
health care scheme, to be incorporated into Medicare," said Senator
Brown.
The scheme would cost around $4.3 billion but produce savings to overall
health costs of $2.3 billion.
"The Menzies centre estimates dental problems already cost Medicare
around $350 million and poor oral health costs Australia a further $2
billion per year."
"Good teeth are fundamental to good health, and poor dental health can
affect people's overall health, ability to find employment and general
well-being," said Senator Brown.
Lead New South Wales Senate candidate Lee Rhiannon said improving access
to dental care would improve the lives of many people.
"We're seeing a deep divide in this state between the haves and have
nots when it comes to dental care, which would be bridged by the Greens
denticare scheme," Ms. Rhiannon said.
"People on low incomes who can't afford high private dentist fees endure
waits of 12 months or longer to see a public dentist in NSW.
"In rural or regional areas even accessing a private dentist can take
months."
Media contact Erin Farley 0438 376 082
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