MEDIA RELEASE: Saturday 1 February 2025
Independent candidate for Calare, Kate Hook, is calling for urgent action to address Australia’s worsening dental health crisis, highlighting the need for a national plan to integrate dental care into Medicare.
"I've heard from countless people across Calare who are suffering due to the unaffordability and inaccessibility of dental care. This isn’t just about teeth – it’s about fairness, dignity, and overall health. No one should have to live in pain or risk serious health issues because they can’t afford to see a dentist," Ms Hook said.
Recent reports from The Guardian’s ‘Broken Smiles’ series have shed light on the devastating impact of Australia’s failing dental system, particularly in rural and regional areas. Stories of people at risk of losing their teeth due to unaffordable treatment are far too common.
Australia ranks sixth among Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) nations for per capita dental spending, yet public funding lags behind at 23rd. Out-of-pocket costs now account for 60% of dental expenses, forcing many Australians to delay or forgo essential treatment. Meanwhile, over half of the federal government’s $1.36 billion dental budget is directed towards subsidising private health insurance premiums – a system that primarily benefits those who can already afford care.
"The numbers make it clear – our dental system is broken. The inequities in access are stark, with millions of Australians unable to get the care they need. We need a plan, and we need action. It’s time to integrate dental care into Medicare and ensure that every Australian, no matter where they live or what they earn, can access essential dental services," Ms Hook said.
"Good oral health is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental part of overall health and wellbeing. The government has a responsibility to fix this crisis and ensure no one is left behind."
As an independent candidate for Calare, Ms Hook is committed to advocating for practical solutions if elected. She will work with other crossbenchers to push for an expansion of public dental funding, ensuring rural and regional communities are not left behind. She would back the establishment of a Parliamentary inquiry into the feasibility and funding of universal dental care, ensuring that real, evidence-based solutions are put forward to address this crisis.
Kate Hook is calling on policymakers to make universal dental care a national priority and to commit to long-term reforms that will improve access to affordable, quality dental services for all Australians.
--END—