The changing oral health situation in Australia and moving towards primary oral health care

Abstract

Background: Oral health has a substantial influence on quality of life and has been linked to general health, yet there is much work required to determine its optimal management. Methods: This discussion paper drew upon government reports, research literature, existing reviews and media releases to discover the challenges and opportunities when incorporating dentistry into primary healthcare. Results: Oral health outcomes have improved over the generations, the dental practice service mix has changed, the number of dental clinicians has increased and the workforce mix is changing, possibly leading to a change in perspectives on work-life balance. There is unequal access to dental care alongside a dental workforce maldistribution. Dental care is funded separately to general healthcare and is largely supplied by the private sector. Subsidised dental care has been managed by the states but federal politicians of major political parties are investigating new funding arrangements. Conclusions: The challenges to incorporating dentistry into primary healthcare are great. However, major political parties are interested in oral health. The oral workforce is going through a process of rapid change in practitioner number, type and possibly attitudes, thereby giving an opportunity to modify its delivery systems.