The importance of good oral health
Good oral health is vital for overall health and wellbeing. It impacts our quality of life and our ability to eat, speak and socialise.
Many Queenslanders face difficulties keeping their mouth, teeth and gums healthy.
Poor oral health is linked to chronic diseases including diabetes and heart and lung disease. It may lead to people needing care in hospital.
Statewide Oral Health Services Plan
Our oral health services plan is a first for Queensland. It describes our commitment to improving oral health for Queenslanders and aligns with the Australian Government's future planning and priorities for oral health services.
Read the plan
Our commitment
Helping all Queenslanders to prioritise their oral health
Improving oral health means helping all Queenslanders to prioritise their oral health and understand why it is important. We'll also help people understand the risk factors for oral diseases such as dental decay, gum disease and oral cancers, so that we can help prevent them.
Investing in our oral health workforce
Helping people prioritise their oral health means we'll invest in our oral health workforce across our Hospital and Health Services and support services in rural and remote communities.
Increasing access to public oral health services
For people eligible to receive public oral health services, we’ll provide the care they need and make services easier to access.
How we developed the plan
We worked with a range of organisations and individuals to help us develop the plan, including:
Public oral health services in Queensland
In developing this plan, we looked at how public oral health services are provided across Queensland, and who can use them. We know that in 2021-22, nearly 50% of Queenslanders were eligible for public oral health services, but only 12% used these services. This includes priority populations who find it hard to access private services and people with a higher risk of oral disease.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or you'd like more information, please email oral_health@health.qld.gov.au.
Last updated: 16 December 2024