Massive boost to public dental funding in Victoria

Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) - the state's leading public dental agency - has welcomed the State Government's announcement of an additional $58 million over four years for public community dental services.

"This is the most significant funding boost received in public community dental services since DHSV was formed in 1996," said DHSV CEO Robyn Batten.

"It represents a massive 30 per cent increase in the first year for the Victorian community dental program and will have a significant positive impact on public dental waiting times.

"There are more than 60 community dental agencies around the state that provide adult dental care to concession card holders.

"It is anticipated this funding will be distributed to those areas with the greatest waiting times to allow up to 130,000 additional low income Victorians to receive dental treatment over the next four years," she said.

"We are delighted the State Government has recognised the growing demand for public dental services and has provided this additional commitment to reducing waiting times for dental care.

"Poor oral health has significant personal costs, affecting the disadvantaged and the most vulnerable within our society at a rate far higher than the general population. More importantly, if care is delayed, disease can advance, making the required treatment more complex.

"This announcement means thousands of Victorians will be provided with care more quickly and this will result in more disadvantaged community members keeping their teeth longer," she said.

DHSV will be working in partnership with the State Government, community dental agencies and the private sector over the next few weeks to determine the best strategies and implementation procedures to distribute the funding and help patients receive care.