NSW Premier Kristina Keneally is being urged to lobby the federal government for a national dental health service after it emerged that nearly half a million Australians in urgent need of dental care are on waiting lists longer than two years.
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said the Premier must respond to the crisis to ensure the crisis does not worsen.
"Dental health is essential to good physical health and emotional well-being but there are more than 500,000 people on dental waiting lists in Australia," Ms Rhiannon said in a statement on Sunday.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Dental healthcare is long overdue for an overhaul as the current system fails many Australians, particularly those who are already disadvantaged."
Fairfax media reported on Sunday that the oral health of Australian adults ranks second-worst in the OECD group of wealthy nations.
And almost half the population say they cannot afford the high cost of private dental treatment, according to the investigation.
A report titled Australia's National Oral Health Plan 2004-2013 found low-income earners are worst affected, but even middle-income families are finding it hard to afford treatment, with many taking out loans or travelling overseas, where in some places it is almost two-thirds cheaper.
Health and welfare groups say the situation is likely to worsen unless the government addresses dental care under its health reforms.
