ADA election response: Dentists congratulate returned Albanese Government

ADA President Dr Chris Sanzaro said the vote was a national endorsement of the government’s commitment to accessible, affordable health for all Australians.

In particular, the ADA seeks constructive engagement with the government on:

• the development of the National Oral Health Plan,
• the enhanced delivery of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule and
• and building on the successful trial* of a Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule.

During the campaign the ADA released data showing the long-term costs to health of poor oral health, including the impact on hospitalisations of older Australians.

It also supported a senior’s dental trial which showed early intervention delivers real benefits to both the public and the national bottom line.  

“With a solid evidence base to build from, I’m optimistic we can have a positive engagement with the new government and other stakeholders to scale these programs,” Dr Sanzaro said. 

*The Maroubra Pilot Scheme for Seniors, a first of a kind pilot which saw improvements in participants’ oral health, could be the blueprint for other pilots and a government-funded seniors' dental scheme.

It tackled the oral health of 70 Eastern Sydney seniors with a chronic disease and socioeconomic disadvantage, from November 2024 to March 2025, in which dentists provided dental treatment hand-in-hand with bespoke advice designed to improve oral health and reduce the risk from dental disease on the rest of the body.

Academics from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health evaluated the effects of the dental treatment on their dental and overall health, and found improvements in oral health outcomes, particularly in the management of tooth decay, gum disease, and provision of prosthodontic care. 

Participants also commented on the dental health education they received to help them clean and floss more and see their dentist more often. These improved oral habits will have a beneficial knock-on effect on their chronic health condition. For more information about the pilot, click here.