In Australia, dentistry is expensive. Most oral healthcare in Australia falls outside the universal healthcare insurance scheme. This brief outlines a clear, staged and evidence-based funding strategy to transition from ad hoc responses to a sustainable, equitable and high-value oral health system. It provides three recommendations.

In Australia, child oral health remains a significant population health problem. This study evaluated the impact of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) on dental visits among eligible children and adolescents in Australia. It showed that the CDBS policy had a statistically significant and positive impact on dental visits among eligible children and adolescents.

This report presents key data, information and trends over time on the oral health status of Australians and their use of dental care services. Around 1 in 3 adults have reported feeling uncomfortable about their dental appearance.

A key recommendation in this report if for the Australian government to establishes a taskforce within the Department of Health and Aged Care, overseen by a Chief Dental and Oral Health Officer, to identify and progress opportunities to integrate oral and dental health care into primary health care.

This fact sheet outlines some basic information about oral and dental health in rural Australia.