The audit objective was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Health’s and the Department of Human Services’ management and administration of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

As a good oral health foundation in childhood is the key determinant of oral health throughout life, the Council commends the importance of a universal option for children. However, given the existing fiscal environment, the Council has included scaled down options for children, and adult options that are focused mainly on the most economically disadvantaged.

This paper outlines the Commonwealth government’s role in funding dental health services in the past and prospects for future involvement in light of recent policy announcements.