Read our Media Release from 20th March 2024
We are urging the Federal Government to introduce a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme to ensure our most vulnerable older Australians get access to the oral and dental health care they need.
Currently, too many Australians – including many older Australians – are delaying or avoiding getting the oral and dental treatment they need due to cost.
Having good dental care is essential to good health, no matter what your age! But as you get older the risk of broader health implications increase. Older Australians are more susceptible to chronic diseases such as dental decay, gum disease and oral cancer. As well as the increased embarrassment and social isolation, there is also a relationship between dental health and an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and chronic malnutrition in older people.
Recent polling commissioned by COTA Australia and conducted by Essential Research, has highlighted the alarming number of older Australians who are putting off dental care due to cost. Given the broader health and welling implications, especially for older people, we are urging the Federal Government to take urgent steps to introduce a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme – a scheme recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety for all residents of nursing homes, pensioners or Seniors Healthcare Card holders living in the community.
The key findings of our poll include:
• 37% of Australians aged 55+ have delaying or completely put off going to the dentist in the past year due to cost;
• 44% of older Australians on lower incomes have delaying or completely put off going to the dentist in the past year due to cost;
• 57% of Australians aged 55+ who say they are financially struggling have delayed or completely put off going to the dentist in the past year due to cost;
• 73% of all Australians support the introduction of a Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme;
• Four in five people (79%) believe dental care should be covered by Medicare;
• 89% of Australians of all ages who are in serious financial difficulty believe dental care should be covered by Medicare.
Making sure all Australians, including older Australians, get access to the quality, affordable health and dental care they need will keep them healthier for longer – decreasing the burden on our public health care system and freeing it up for those who need it most. That’s not just good for older people, but for all of us.
Do you support the idea that dental care should be covered by Medicare and want to get involved in our advocacy? Register your interest by completing the form below! We’ll add you to our mailing list, and keep you informed of any action and updates on Dental/Oral Care and a Senior Dental Benefit Scheme moving forward!
Register your interest for future advocacy by completing this form below.
Thank you for support.