Study reveals Griffith dental health at risk due to perceived cost of treatment

Australian Dental Association NSW President Dr Kathleen Matthews said that good health begins with your mouth but ensuring regular yearly visits to the dentist is becoming unaffordable for some people in Griffith.

"When you go to the doctor you know that the government is subsidising your visit because of Medicare, however when you go to see the dentist, unless you are eligible for a health care card or pension card then you have to pay for that visit entirely out of your own pocket," Dr Matthews explained.

The cost of maintaining a dental clinic is considerable as clinics are essentially 'mini hospitals' explained Dr Matthews. Overheads associated with infection control and medical tools and equipment all contribute to the high costs of using this health service.

However minor dental issues like a tooth ache or chipped tooth if left untreated could result in complicated dental treatments and overall health impacts down the track.

"The reality is we need to look at how the health system supports people who are at an economic disadvantage," Dr Matthews said.

"There is no government support for the average person to go and see the dentist in NSW and the people who suffer from this are the people who are without the immediate means to buy dental services."

COVID-19 has also contributed in augmenting waiting lists for dental care and impacting people's perceived financial security this year, meaning that a potential dental problem was likely to be put off. However, this problem goes beyond the pandemic.

"We absolutely need to invest in public dental services and in our communities by giving them access to a full range of health services which includes dental care," Dr Matthews said.

A number of Griffith dental clinics now offer 'pay later' options via third party companies that allow patients to manage large dentist bills over a period of time instead of in one lump sum.

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