Dental matters - Addressing oral health inequality in Australia

In a country where healthcare is largely publically funded, why is a healthy smile still a privilege? Millions of Australians struggle to access dental care due to high costs, limited public funding and geographic barriers. As a result, preventable dental issues are worsening, with disadvantaged communities facing the greatest burden.

At One Dental, we're proud to be part of an industry dedicated to improving oral health and enhancing patient care. As passionate supporters of dental professionals and students, we can't ignore the growing inequalities in access to dental treatment across Australia. These disparities impact not just individuals but the broader healthcare system—so let’s take a closer look at the key issues.

The cost barrier

Unlike general healthcare, dental care in Australia is largely excluded from Medicare. Most people must either rely on private health insurance or cover the costs themselves, leaving treatment out of reach for many—especially amid the current cost of living crisis.

With out-of-pocket costs often in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, many Australians are delaying or avoiding treatment entirely. This leads to worsening oral health, as minor issues turn into serious conditions that require more complex and costly interventions.

While private health insurance offers some relief, government subsidies for dental cover primarily benefit higher-income earners. Those who can’t afford private insurance are left with few options, widening the gap between those who can access regular dental care and those who cannot.

The possible consequences go beyond oral health. Untreated dental issues can lead to infections, chronic pain and difficulty eating or speaking. In severe cases, people end up in hospitals for preventable dental problems, placing additional strain on the healthcare system and costing taxpayers millions each year.

Access challenges for regional Australians

Dental care is harder to access outside Australia’s major cities, with far fewer practitioners servicing regional and remote areas. This shortage means many communities rely on limited public dental services or they need to travel long distances for private care.

For patients in rural areas, the time and cost associated with this travel can make even routine dental visits impractical. This is why many will delay treatment until pain or infection forces them to seek urgent care, often in hospital emergency departments where dental capabilities are limited.

Unsurprisingly, those living in regional and remote areas experience higher rates of untreated dental disease. This access gap contributes to poorer overall health outcomes.

Public vs private funding imbalance

Australia’s government funding for dental care is among the lowest in the developed world, with Medicare largely excluding dentistry. Meanwhile, countries like Japan and France provide significant public support for dental treatment, making routine care more accessible and reducing long-term health costs.

The idea of expanding Medicare to cover dentistry has been debated for years, but concerns over funding have stalled progress. While some argue a universal dental scheme would be too costly, others highlight the economic and social burden of untreated dental disease as a reason for reform.

Inconsistent policies and limited public support

Successive governments have acknowledged the need for better dental care access but have failed to implement a lasting solution. Funding models shift, short-term programs come and go, and no clear framework exists to ensure Australians can access affordable treatment.

Programs like the Child Dental Benefits Schedule provide some relief for eligible children, but adults face significant gaps in public support. Many rely on overstretched public clinics with waitlists that can stretch for years, so urgent dental needs remain unmet.

Despite calls for change, dental care remains a low priority in public health policy. Without a clear commitment from policymakers, millions will continue to face financial and logistical barriers to preventative and essential treatment.

It’s time for the industry to drive change

Those in the dental industry are best placed to push for better access to care by advocating for policies that prioritise prevention and affordability. On the front lines, dental professionals witness the impact of untreated disease firsthand, along with the barriers that prevent patients from seeking help.

Raising awareness is a critical first step. Engaging with policymakers, contributing to public discussions and educating patients about the broader issues of dental access can help shift attitudes.

With an election approaching, now is the time to push oral health into the national conversation. Governments respond to public pressure, and a united dental industry can drive meaningful change. To learn more about the issues and statistics, read Media Focus on Oral Health by Matt Hopcraft at Dental As Anything.

Creating a better future

Oral health inequality isn’t just a policy failure—it’s a preventable crisis affecting millions. While the challenges are known and documented, the real issue is the lack of decisive action. The solution requires recognising oral health as an essential part of our overall wellbeing.

When people can access timely, affordable dental care, they’re preventing chronic conditions, reducing hospital admissions and improving their own quality of life. As an active voice within the dental industry, we will speak up and encourage others to do the same.

One Dental is dedicated to enhancing oral health care and education. We offer a wide range of products to support dental students, educators and professionals. Contact our team to learn more or browse our selection online now.