Data from the recent Australian Dental Association (ADA) annual oral health survey reveals alarming facts about the state of oral health for both children and adults.
Frequency of attendance
It was revealed two thirds of adults only attend a dental appointment when they have a problem, and parents reported one third (32%) of a child’s first visit was for pain or a problem. For adults, affordability was the main reason for irregular attendance.
The survey found that 61% of adults delayed treatment in the last 12 months - a 17% increase in the last 13 years. Affordability accounted for 63% of respondent’s reason for the delay, a 12% increase on 2022.
Most parents surveyed (42%) thought a child’s first visit was at 2 years old, and only 5% thought it was before 12 months. The recommendation is to visit an oral health professional when the first tooth erupts.
Reason for attendance
In the last year 34% of people suffered with pain, swelling, or infection – this was more prevalent in older adults. While 42% had their problem treated, 23% did not, with cost the predominant barrier.
Self-rated oral health
One third of people (32%) rated their oral health as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ and over half of these were aged over 65. Reasons for the poor rating included ‘not visiting the dentist often enough,’ consumption of alcohol, smoking, diet or an existing dental or medical condition.
Experience of dental caries
34% of children aged 5-6 years experienced decay in primary teeth and 27% aged 5-10 years had untreated tooth decay in primary teeth.
85% of parents are aware soft drinks, energy drinks and fruit juice lead to decay, however 26% of children have fruit juice daily, 37% have 2-5 servings of fruit juices per week, and 37% have 2-5 servings of soft drinks per week.
The data is concerning and points to a clear need for increased funding for oral health, and oral health literacy. The Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists’ Association (ADOHTA) continues to advocate for universal access to dental and oral health care, recognising this will be a significant investment. The ADOHTA supports a staged approach with the introduction of a Medicare scheme similar to that of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for seniors and low-income Australians as a start. The ADOHTA will continue to advocate for Australian Government investment in annual, or biannual, data collection to ensure the state of Australia’s oral health is regularly captured.
Oral health practitioners (OHPs) are well equipped to address the issues presented by this data, with an increasing number of OHPs opening their own practices and collaborating with dentists and dental specialists. Trained in prevention, management, and treatment of oral diseases across all ages, OHPs are a vital component of the overall dental and oral health workforce. The ADOHTA will continue to advocate for OHPs ensuring we have a voice at every table and our skillset and value is recognised.
Article by: ADOHTA Advocacy Director Tim Budden
ADA Media Release 2 August 2024
