ADA: Time to act on older Australians’ oral health
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The Australian Dental Association (ADA) is calling on major political parties to commit to strengthening oral health services for older Australians ahead of the 2025 federal election. Their primary request is the implementation of a Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule (SDBS) for people 65 years and older who hold Commonwealth seniors’ health cards, pensioner concession cards, or health care cards.
The ADA is also advocating the inclusion of oral health assessments in relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule health checks conducted by general practitioners, arguing that better integration of dental services into the broader healthcare system is long overdue.
According to the ADA, the need for enhanced oral health funding is urgent, given the significant percentage of older people who already struggle with dental issues. As of 30 June 2020, one in six Australians was aged 65 or over—16% of the population—and this figure is expected to double by 2062–63. Many in this age group are missing an average of 13.7 teeth, 59% have periodontitis, and around 27% avoid certain foods due to oral discomfort.
Consumer organisations have also voiced concerns to a Senate Inquiry into the provision of and access to dental care. Rising costs and limited coverage options can leave pensioners and part-pensioners without adequate dental services, especially if they cannot afford private health insurance.
“The ADA commends,” says ADA President Dr Chris Sanzaro, “previous federal governments for their commitment to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, but we must do more to address the remaining gaps in the provision of care. We believe that by incorporating a range of targeted, sustainable and cost-effective measures including the SDBS, it will enable the government to responsibly address gaps in access for older Australians, as identified in several reports, while also supporting states and territories in the provision of oral health services.
“Because everyone in Australia regardless of their ability to pay should be able to receive dental care. There is no health without oral health.”
The ADA’s stance reflects ongoing worries about the lack of targeted, sustainable funding to meet the growing oral health needs of an aging population. While Australia’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule has proven effective for younger citizens, older adults often encounter greater barriers due to higher costs and limited insurance coverage.
An ADA-driven pilot program in eastern Sydney aims to demonstrate how a future SDBS could work nationwide. The initiative covers preventive care, restorative treatments, and emergency services, focusing on long-term benefits and cost-effective care. Results from this pilot could serve as a blueprint for federal implementation.
With Australia’s older demographic on the rise, the ADA insists that oral health become a federal priority. Advocates say that establishing a Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule would close crucial gaps in care—ultimately helping older Australians enjoy healthier lives and relieving pressure on the healthcare system as a whole.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
