Final Report

REPORT - November 2023

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Full Report (PDF)

Contents

Members

Terms of reference

Snapshot

List of recommendations

Abbreviations

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Conduct of the inquiry
Notes on terminology
Acknowledgements
Correction of evidence
Structure of the report

Chapter 2 - A system in decay

Inequitable—Australia's dental services system
Oral health care coverage in other jurisdictions
Like pulling teeth: barriers to reform in Australia
Long-term policy reform
Committee view

Chapter 3 - Putting the mouth back into the body

Oral health care is essential
More than Band-aid solutions: from treatment to prevention
Integration
Committee view

Chapter 4 - Filling the gaps: improving access for priority groups

Economically and socially disadvantaged
Older people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Disabled people
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Committee view

Chapter 5 - Maldistribution and capacity: training and workforce matters

Adequacy of current workforce
Suggested initiatives
Committee view

Chapter 6 - Drilling down: pathways to universal access

Introduction
Option 1: Universal coverage
Option 2: Means tested coverage
Option 3: Senior Dental Benefits Schedule
Option 4: Preventative care
National oral health campaign
Chief Oral Health/Dental Officer
Improving state-based public dental services
Department of Veterans' Affairs rebates to dental prosthetists
Committee view

Australian Greens Additional Comments

Appendix 1 - Submissions and additional information

Appendix 2 - Public hearings and witnesses

Introduction
What is St Pat’s?
Cost of living crisis
St Pat’s Dental Clinic
Future of the Oral Health Clinic

Introduction
Dental services at Casuarina Prison
Challenges and limitations
Future directions

Appendix 5 - Summary of public dental arrangements for selected countries

Various policy options for reforming Commonwealth subsides of dental services
Summary of proposal
Component 2: Education and promotion
Component 3: Chief Dental Officer
Costing overview
Uncertainties
Unmet demand
Key assumptions
Methodology
Data sources

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