Government response sparks concern for advocates of older Australians

Key points:

• Approximately 70 percent of Victorians over the age of 75 years reported moderate to severe periodontitis, a serious gum infection, according to recent data from the Victorian Department of Health
• Council on the Ageing Chief Executive Officer Patricia Sparrow commented on the Federal Government’s response to the Senate Select Committee’s report on Australian dental care
• Approximately 67,000 hospitalisations could be prevented each year by receiving earlier treatment for dental conditions, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Approximately 70 percent of Victorians over the age of 75 years report moderate to severe periodontitis, a serious gum infection, according to recent data from the Victorian Department of Health. 

The Senate Select Committee released a report earlier this year called ‘A system in decay: a review into dental services in Australia’ and the federal government has responded.

Chief Executive Officer Patricia Sparrow of COTA, an organisation that supports and advocates for Australians aged 50 years and over, commented on the impact of the government’s response.

“The Federal Government’s response to the Senate Committee report and this crucial health issue is mediocre at best,” Ms Sparrow said.

“It’s been three years since the Royal Commission into Aged Care highlighted the importance of ensuring our most vulnerable older people — including those in aged care — get access to the oral and dental care they need, yet the government seems to still be stuck in ‘noting’ mode when it comes to those key recommendations.”

In the report, ‘the Australian Government response supports — or supports in principle — 11 of the 35 recommendations and the remaining 24 recommendations are noted.’

The response to the report is available online on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Approximately 67,000 hospitalisations could be prevented each year by receiving earlier treatment for dental conditions, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Ms Sparrow highlighted the importance of asking the government to take a stronger approach to targeting dental healthcare problems in Australian communities, especially for older Australians.

“Good oral health is vital for maintaining good overall health and the risks of not getting the care people need can be incredibly serious — even life-threatening in some extreme cases,” she said.

“Having good dental care is essential to good health, no matter what your age, but we know that as you get older the risk of broader health implications increases.” 

Australians aged 75 years and over have ‘on average, 24.4 decayed, missing or filled teeth,’ as per recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Most adults have 32 permanent teeth.

Menopausal and post-menopausal women may be affected by a greater number of oral health concerns compared to the general Australian population.

To learn more about looking after your teeth as an older Australian, head to this article: How hormones could change your oral health as you age

Ms Sparrow expressed optimism regarding upcoming discussions for better dental care for older Australians but highlighted that such assistance can’t be delayed.

“It’s pleasing to know that the government says conversations about action are coming, but older people deserve more certainty than that,” she said. “We want to see a detailed timeline, especially for the introduction of a Seniors’ Dental Benefit Scheme, as soon as possible.

“Time is running out for the government to provide the political leadership needed to improve the oral health of older Australians, both in the community for pensioners and low-income retirees with a Seniors Health Care Card, along with all residents of aged care homes.”

Factors that can result in poor oral health can include having limited access to dental services, not having regular dental checkups, poor oral hygiene and consuming sugar, tobacco and alcohol.

Financial barriers can also impact a person’s oral health. Approximately 25 percent of Australians would have ‘a lot of difficulty’ paying a $200 dental bill, according to the Parliament of Australia.

Are you an older Australian having difficulty accessing appropriate dental services?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

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