ADA’s Dentists on the Hill Lobby for National Oral Health Plan

More than 40 dentists converged on Parliament House in Canberra for the Australian Dental Association’s Dentists on the Hill event, demanding the federal government release and fully fund the overdue National Oral Health Plan to combat widespread tooth decay and workforce shortages. According to the Australian Dental Association, one in three Australian adults currently lives with untreated tooth decay, while more than 2 million people have skipped dental care entirely because they cannot afford it.

Why Dentists Are Demanding the National Oral Health Plan

The National Oral Health Plan was designed to run from 2025 to 2034 and was scheduled for presentation to the Health Ministers Meeting in late 2024. However, the federal government has continually delayed its release, leaving the profession without a coordinated national framework. According to the Australian Dental Association, the plan is essential to give Australians proper access to care and to address systemic issues in the health system.

“Every day in our practices we see the cost of leaving dental care out of the health system,” Australian Dental Association President Dr Chris Sanzaro said, according to association reports. “A National Oral Health Plan is not a luxury, it is essential to giving Australians the access to care they deserve.”

Delegates spanning from early-career practitioners to experienced specialists met with members of parliament and senators across the political spectrum in groups of three to four. The meetings focused on why dental health matters personally to them and why federal intervention is urgently required.

Workforce Pressures in Regional and Remote Communities

Beyond affordability, the profession is grappling with geographical disparities in workforce distribution. Australian Dental Association Vice President Dr Angie Nilsson noted that regional and remote communities face pressure that widens the gap in health outcomes.

“The future of dentistry depends on making sure every Australian, no matter their postcode, has access to a dentist,” Dr Nilsson said, according to the Australian Dental Association. “We are seeing real workforce pressure in regional and remote areas, and without a properly funded National Oral Health Plan, that gap will only widen.”

The push aims to build a pipeline of dentists who can go where they’re needed and stay there, ensuring younger generations experience equitable access to care.

The Rising Threat of Unverified Social Media Trends

The delay in formal policy responses coincides with a rise in young adults turning to online channels for dental solutions. According to Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports, an Australian Dental Association survey found that 60 per cent of 18 to 25-year-olds make decisions based on social media advice.

Experts warn that these trends can lead to the use of bleaching that can be unhealthy for them and can damage their teeth. Sydney student Emily Novo experienced the dangers of delayed professional care when bacteria getting into the cavity between her wisdom tooth and gum caused an infection, leaving her unable to open her mouth properly or eat properly for a week after putting off a dental visit due to cost.

“You don’t really realise how important your mouth is until you’ve lost the ability to talk and eat,” Ms Novo told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation after recovering with antibiotics prescribed at a hospital emergency department.

Next Steps for Federal Policy

With delegates concluding their two-day advocacy push in Canberra, the Australian Dental Association maintains that federal lawmakers hold the power to reshape the sector. The organization stresses that parliamentarians can take immediate action by writing to the Minister or speaking in parliament during the current term.