Dentists sceptical of government's $515.3m package in budget

A package with hundreds of millions of dollars to cut dental waiting lists is being viewed with scepticism by the profession.

The federal government has announced a a $515.3 million dentistry package ahead of Tuesday's budget.

The package includes $345.9 million to treat some of the 400,000 patients on dental waiting lists during the next three years.

Funding will be provided to encourage more dentists to work in country areas.

Dentists are wary of the initiative, citing issues with the government's tough approach to the chronic disease dental scheme.

Dozens of dentists have been ordered to repay significant amounts after audits found they had not followed the scheme's rules.

"Dentists are a little concerned with future dental programs," Australian Dental Association president Dr Shane Fryer told ABC radio on Monday.

Asked if there was much goodwill towards the government, Dr Fryer said it had waned significantly.

"I still think it is there, it just needs to be fostered."

A Senate committee investigating problems with the chronic disease dental scheme is due to deliver its report this week.