Availability, affordability and the demand for dental services by people across Australia will be examined by the House of Representatives Health Committee.
The committee will hold an inquiry into adult dental services to identify the needs of people in each state and territory and to identify priorities for federal funding.
Committee chair Jill Hall, MP, said the committee is determined to get grassroots views on the dental health needs of all communities.
“People in need should be able to access affordable dental care, regardless of what state or territory they live in, or whether they live in a remote community, a big city or a country town,” she said.
“We are especially keen to learn from service providers themselves.
Their experience is invaluable for developing policies that will deliver the best possible outcomes.”
The committee intends to hear from representatives of all states and territories during the inquiry and will focus on demand, availability and coordination of dental services as well as workforce issues.
The committee will also consider the National Partnership Agreement (NPA), which from July next year will provide funding directly to state and territory governments to expand services for adults in the public dental system.
Details of the first public hearing will be available soon.
Full terms of reference and further information on the inquiry are available on the committee’s website.