MEDIA RELEASE
Time to act on future of oral health in regional and rural Victoria
The average number of teeth with untreated decay in rural areas is 18% higher in children and 47% higher in adults compared with metro areas for clients presenting to public dental clinics.
The average number of teeth affected by decay in rural areas is 29% higher in children and 5% higher in adults compared with metro areas for clients presenting to public dental clinics.
Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) has also revealed 59% children presenting to public dental clinics in rural areas have had a history of tooth decay compared with 51% metro.
“Further-more, for children presenting to public dental clinics, 30% have untreated decay in rural areas compared with 26% in metro. For adults presenting to public dental clinics, 51% have untreated decay in rural areas compared with 42% in metro.”
CEO Dr Deborah Cole said poor oral health worsens overall health, wellbeing and quality of life by negatively affecting speech, social and psychological wellbeing, self-esteem and productivity.
Dr Cole said Victoria’s lead oral health agency was now in the process of formulating its new Strategic Plan for 2016-2021.
“Oral health is not routinely recognised as a vital part of chronic disease management and this needs to change. Furthermore, Commonwealth funding is only guaranteed for short periods of time which doesn’t support long term planning,” she said.
“We believe that every Victorian, no matter where they live or what they earn, should be able to live free from the pain, suffering and social stigma associated with poor oral health.”
Victorians are now invited to participate on the development of the draft Strategic Plan for 2016-2021 and help shape Victoria’s future. Go to the link below to access a short survey.
https://www.dhsv.org.au/stratplan2016-2021
For more information please contact DSHV Media and Community Relations Manager Suzana Talevski on 0407 961 413