2022-04-13
The Greens have today announced their plan to ensure everyone eligible for a Medicare card gets access to clinically relevant dental services for free; including general dental, orthodontics, and restorative services. Under the plan, people will still be able to choose their dentist and routine and therapeutic dental services will be bulk-billed or rebated.
The plan represents a public health investment of $77.6 billion over the decade to provide free dental care to children and adults.
Quotes attributable to Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John:
“Under the Greens’ plan, when Australians open their wallet at the dentist, they’ll be reaching for their Medicare card.
“The Greens are committed to ensuring everyone is able to access the healthcare they need. In the balance of power after the next election, we will push to ensure everyone can access dental services and mental healthcare for free.
“Right now, the medical system treats our mouths differently from the rest of our bodies. It means that 40% of Australians are delaying or not going to the dentist, often because they can’t afford it.
“We must move to a publicly funded, universal dental care system that tackles dental disease proactively. Our Greens plan will provide dental services for free, ending the worry of paying for dental services. We’re including a broad range of services, so whether you have a tooth that needs restoring, a cavity that needs filling, or your kids need orthodontic work, you could get it covered by Medicare.
“I’m confident that our plan will boost the mental and physical health of our community. Poor dental health can lead to heart conditions, serious infections, and complications in pregnancy,
“A recent poll showed that 86% of the West Australian community support The Greens’ plan to expand Medicare to include dental and mental health care.
“In 2012, The Greens secured dental for kids into Medicare. Now, we’re pushing to ensure everyone in our community can access free dental services, prioritising prevention and treating oral conditions before they turn into serious illnesses.”
Read our full policy:
Policy: Bring Dental into Medicare