DENTAL COSTS BITE More people say they can’t afford regular visits
HIP-POCKET pain is causing one in five North Queenslanders to skip their annual dental check-up.
About 20 per cent of North Queensland adults delayed or did not see a dentist, hygienist or dental specialist because of costs in the 2017-18 financial year, according to fresh data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Only 43 per cent of North Queenslanders reported a visit to the dentist in the 2017-18 financial year, a slight rise from 41 per cent in 2016-17, but still below 45 per cent in 2015-16 and 44 per cent in 2014-15.
Aitkenvale mum Tannya Brough, 29, said she took her two children to the dentist twice a year, but did not visit herself along with her husband because of the impact the fees would have on their budget.
“It’s so expensive, I can’t afford it and I haven’t been to the dentist since I was 22 to have my wisdom teeth removed,” she said.
“I would be out of pocket for a check-up and clean and then I wouldn’t be able to afford the expensive follow-ups after the consultation for things like fillings.
“I would be going more often if it was cheaper and while I don’t have any rotting teeth, it still would be nice to go, as everyone wants to have nice, clean teeth.”
Mum to Ezra, 2, Kate Mikaele Ah-kuoi said dental care was free for children under Medicare.
“As an adult, it’s definitely an expense that a lot of families have to prioritise,” she said.
Australian Dental Association Queensland President Dr Norah Ayad said the statistics weren’t a shock with the cost of dental treatment acting as a barrier across the population.
“It would be nice if the government would fund dental care all round, but we encourage them to include care as part of their strategy for helping those at risk groups,” she said. Dr Ayad warned only visiting the dentist when something was wrong or painful, would cost more money in the long run.
“Prevention is always better than the cure and generally it is cheaper to stay on top of things,” Dr Ayad said. “We also encourage routine visits which prevents something starting off as requiring a small filling and if it’s left long enough, becoming a root canal or extraction.”
Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said public dental services were available to children from the age of four until Year 10 in high school. A full list for eligibility is at: https:// www.townsville.health .qld.gov.au/ services/oral-health-services/adultoral-health-care/.