Preventative dental could save NSW $147 million per year: new research

Dental conditions are the leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in NSW, costing the NSW public and private health system an average of $147 million per year, according to new research, commissioned by the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS), released today.

These costs are expected to grow over time if more if nothing is done to reduce preventable dental hospitalisations. By 2033 it will cost NSW $212 million, an increase of 44 percent on today’s costs.

The research by Mandala finds that $55 million- or more than a third- of this is spent on children, with children aged 0-9 most at risk of being hospitalised due tooth decay and cavities.

“Young children are at the top of the list of people being hospitalised for dental issues, followed by older people, First Nations people and those from regional and remote communities. It is these groups who face the biggest challenges in accessing preventative dental check-ups in NSW,” said NCOSS CEO, Cara Varian.

“Some families outside of the cities live in what’s known as a ‘dental desert’ meaning they have to travel hundreds of kilometres to visit their closest dental provider.  This can present a geographic and financial challenge for many families.

“Timely access to appropriate dental care should not depend on your postcode or parents’ pay packet.,” Ms Varian said.

The Mandala research comes as the NSW Government renews its awareness campaign of the federal Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which currently has an uptake of just 35 percent.

NCOSS said both state and federal governments must support families to access preventative dental care for all children.

“The children of these families would benefit most from better access to preventative dental care. Hospitalisation can be traumatic for children, impacting their wellbeing, social participation and quality of life, from childhood through to adulthood.

“The low uptake of the CDBS speaks to broader cost of living pressures families in NSW are facing right now. We’re hearing from our networks that many are put off from visiting the dentist at all, for fear of having to pay for additional dental work in the future.

“Every child should have the same opportunity for their basic health needs to be met. Dental care has been treated as separate to overall health for too long, and it’s costing us all.

“Getting dental care right in the early years sets up children of all backgrounds up for healthier, happier futures, but also save NSW a mammoth $55 million per year.

“NCOSS was pleased to see the NSW Government invest in expanding the state’s Mobile Dental Van program for regional communities in the last state budget and also work to raise awareness of the CDBS. This new research shows far more must be done urgently to improve oral health outcomes and reduce dental hospitalisations across NSW.

“It’s time to make dental care accessible in NSW. At the very least, we’re calling for;

• Increasing funding for public dental outreach services in regional and remote communities
• Boosting awareness of the federal Child Dental Benefits Schedule
• Expanding the NSW Primary School Mobile Dental Program

Media contact: Bron Matherson (Essential Media) 0438 844 765