10 March 2009
A new Report conducted on behalf of the NSW Oral Health Alliance paints a grim picture about the oral health of clients of non-government human service organisations in New South Wales.

Based on survey responses from 750 respondents, the Report points to three significant barriers to maintaining adequate oral health for low income and disadvantaged groups in the community: waiting times, cost and difficulty accessing dental services.

“Overwhelmingly, waiting times for public dental services were the single biggest issue identified by human service non-government agencies and their clients” according to Alison Peters, Director of the Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) and Alliance spokesperson.

Almost 60 per cent of NGOs surveyed estimated that the average waiting time for their clients to access public dental services was six months or longer, with one in five indicating twelve months or longer.

“There is a strong sense that waiting times for public dental services exacerbate oral health conditions. Most survey respondents who are currently on a waiting list stated a belief that their oral health or dental problem had become worse while waiting” said Ms Peters.

In some areas waiting times also present problems for accessing private dentists, particularly rural and remote areas. One respondent reported it took six weeks to get an appointment with a private dentist in Bourke despite having a painful tooth ache.

People on waiting lists experience pain and decay, problems eating, diminishing self-confidence and visibly missing teeth. Oral health problems can also impact a range of other chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

“The length of time people spend on waiting lists is demoralizing. It would be unacceptable to wait that long for other health services.” Ms Peters said.

The cost of private dental care was also identified as a major barrier to accessing treatment which meant many low income people had no choice other than to join a public waiting list.

Other significant access barriers identified by the survey include distances between where people live and where dental services are located; the lack of transport options to access dental services; difficulty accessing preventative services (‘you only get in if you have a problem’); low staffing levels and unfilled positions in public dental services; and difficulty using interpreter services when accessing public dental services.

The NSW Oral Health Alliance will launch its Report in the Parkes Room, NSW Parliament House on Wednesday, 1 April 2009 at 9.30AM.

Note: The survey was conducted by NCOSS in August and September 2008 and overseen by the NSW Oral Health Alliance. The survey was completed by 212 NGOs and 538 clients or consumers of NGOs. The Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch) provided financial assistance to NCOSS to carry out the project.

Media Contact: Alison Peters (NCOSS) Mob: 0425 231 814 Tel: (02) 9211 2599