The Federal Government has outlined a $515.3 million spending initiative in the 2012-13 Budget aimed at significantly reducing times on public dental waiting lists.

 

Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the spending will also direct spending to help boost the public dental health workforce and bolster infrastructure in regional, rural and remote areas.

 

Ms Plibersek said $345.9 million will be directed to treating patients on waiting lists over the next three years, providing vital services to around 400,000 adults including support for Indigenous Australians. 


“New spending in this Budget will see a blitz on state government waiting lists to help meet the emergency treatment and prevention needs of people who are eligible for public dental care,” Ms Plibersek said. 


Funding injections into two additional programs will help to increase capacity in the dental workforce and boost services in the public sector and other areas of need, providing necessary foundations for continued improvement in dental care. 

 

“These are significant steps towards a better system of dental care.” 

 

Ms Plibersek said the Voluntary Dental Graduate Year Program will be increased from 50 to 100 placements per year by 2016 at a cost of $35.7 million over three years. 

 

The Government also outlined $45.2 million over four years to introduce an Oral Health Therapist graduate year program.

 

These placements will enable graduates to provide additional preventative dental care and health advocacy to adults and children in areas of need,” Ms Plibersek said.