Oral health, dental care, and primary health care

Abstract

Australia's oral health is suboptimal, particularly among disadvantaged people. One quarter of Australian adults have untreated decay and 23% have moderate or severe gum disease. Poor oral health is not only a source of pain, embarrassment, discrimination, and financial pressure for individuals, but also contributes to significant medical problems that impose a substantial burden on the community, the health system, and the economy. Expenditure on dental health accounts for more than 6% of total health funding. This RESEARCH ROUNDup discusses the problems and the potential solutions at a population and primary health care level, including the establishment of a universal dental care scheme.