Summary
Queensland Health has launched a new statewide plan focused on improving the oral health of Queenslanders.
The Statewide Oral Health Services Plan outlines four key focus areas to support the oral health of Queenslanders throughout their lives and help reduce preventable hospital admissions.
More than 19,000 Queenslanders are hospitalised every year for issues relating to dental decay, gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer, making oral health conditions one of the top acute, preventable admissions to the state’s hospitals.
In more concerning news, half of Queensland children aged five to 10 years have dental decay in their baby teeth, according to the latest available data.
Queensland Chief Dental Officer Dr Ben Stute said the new plan is the first of its type for Queensland and builds on the Commonwealth Government’s National Oral Health Plan.
“This plan is tailored to meet the needs of Queenslanders and combat challenges associated with delivering care in a large, decentralised state,” Dr Stute said.
“It provides a renewed focus on increasing oral health service access to the state’s rural and remote areas, with a focus on encouraging eligible people to access public oral health services in underutilised regions, as well as promoting practical ways to maintain oral health across all ages,” Dr Stute said.
“We know in a place as decentralised as Queensland, there are often infrastructure and workforce challenges in providing health services, and Queenslanders may experience a lack of accessible and affordable transport options to access services.
“This plan outlines actions to increase access to public oral health services for eligible Queenslanders, such as better utilising virtual care, increasing our workforce particularly in rural and remote areas, implementing more outreach services and utilising practitioners from the private sector.
“We are very interested in exploring how new digital technologies can support oral health in Queensland, including digital imaging, digital impressions and 3D printing,” he said.
Dr Stute said the plan was also focused on increased health promotion, education opportunities and health literary improvements across the lifespan of Queenslanders.
“Most hospital admissions relating to acute oral health conditions are preventable through healthy lifestyle behaviours,” he said.
“We’re particularly keen to ensure young Queenslanders establish good oral health habits from early childhood as this sets them up to continue these habits into adulthood.
“That’s why we will be looking into developing stronger partnerships with schools to deliver oral health promotion, screening and early intervention services to children.
“Tailored health promotion will help people to build health literacy and better understand how to proactively look after their oral health,” he said.
Dr Stute said it was hoped the new plan would lead to more Queenslanders attending oral health check-ups for preventative and general care.
“Like any health issues, early detection and treatment is key for the best outcomes and many dental issues can be easily treated if found early,” he said.
“I’m concerned about the level of dental decay experienced by Queensland children, so I’d like to see an increase in the number of eligible children accessing public dental services.”
Children are eligible for public dental services if they are aged four years or older and have not completed Year 10; or hold a Centrelink concession card; or are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Public dental care for children is available on site at schools at fixed or mobile dental clinics or at community dental clinics.
Adults are eligible for public dental services if they hold a current Centrelink concession card or a Queensland Seniors Card.
In addition to publicly provided services for eligible Queenslanders, oral health services are also widely available in the private sector.
Practical ways that people can strive for better oral health include:
- Limiting consumption of sugar and alcohol
- Quitting smoking, as smoking increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer
- Practising good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day and flossing. Fluoride toothpaste should be used, especially if you don’t have access to a fluoridated drinking water supply. Tap water that contains fluoride protects teeth against decay.
- Accessing oral health services, such as seeing a dentist regularly for a check-up and clean.
The Statewide Oral Health Services Plan is available on the Queensland Health website.