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| Release of public dental waiting list numbers welcomed |
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14 January 2008
The Council of Social Service NSW (NCOSS) and the Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch) today welcomed the public release of NSW Public Dental Service waiting list figures.
“The “The figures indicate that 158,791 people are currently waiting for assessment and treatment from NSW public dental services. Compared to previous waiting list estimates of 200,000, these figures show waiting lists are moving in the right direction” said Alison Peters, NCOSS Director. “However we remain concerned that not enough is being done to improve NSW public dental services, including the size and the length of time people spend on waiting lists.” A report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that people using public dental services, and people from lower income groups are more likely to receive tooth extractions than preventive services when compared with people using private services and in higher income groups. Both NCOSS and ADA NSW would like to see this situation improved. “The main reason why public dental services focus on emergency care rather then prevention is workforce related” said Dr Burges. “We are quietly confident that a workforce review currently underway will help boost recruitment and retention strategies for public dental services through improved salaries and career structures” “The Minister has indicated today that she will be seeking funding from the Federal Government to tackle the number of people currently waiting for public dental surgery and operations. This is a positive move and we encourage the Minister to continue to work cooperatively with the Federal Government to improve NSW Public Dental Services” said Ms Peters.
“However according to Oral Health Waiting Lists by Area Health Service: www.health.nsw.gov.au/cohs/list_flow.asp
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