Since its launch in 2014, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule has seen a gradual increase in participation year on year. The impact of COVID-19 and related shutdowns saw participation fall sharply in 2020. Though it increased 2021, the national target of 41% participation was not reached in 2021-2022, with the total (35.4%) more than three percent below 2018 participation rates.
Strong participation rates in programs like the CDBS cannot be understated. Good oral health habits, preventative treatment and regular check ups all play a major role in good oral health as people enter adulthood. Current statistics show issues with oral health in early life have a major impact on both the individual and a flow on effect on the national health system. Reducing the rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations due to dental conditions is one of the Key Performance Indicators of the National Oral Health Plan 2015–2024
Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) has sourced the following data on Oral Health, hospitalisations, and children in Australia
In 2019–20, about 67,000 hospitalisations for dental conditions may have been prevented with earlier treatment.
- In 2019-20, 5–9-year old’s had the highest rate of potentially preventable hospitalisations.
- 22,900 children aged 0-9 were hospitalised for dental conditions that may have been prevented with earlier treatment.
- Around twice as many people eligible for public dental care (39%) stated they would have difficulty paying for a basic preventive visit than those ineligible for public dental care (18%).
- People who usually visit the dentist for a problem (58%) were more than twice as likely as those who usually visit for a check-up (27%) to avoid or delay visiting a dentist due to cost.
As the peak industry body representing suppliers, manufacturers, and wholesalers to Australian oral health professionals, Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA), sees opportunity to make a measurable difference to the health of children in Australia. ADIA believes increased awareness of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule will increase preventative care, create better habits, and improve health outcomes for Australian children. Reducing preventable hospitalisations in children under 18 will have the added benefit of easing public health system congestion resulting an improved functioning national healthcare system overall.
In an opinion segment, Australian Health Journal spoke with Abano Healthcare Group Clinical Director, Dr Fred Calavassy, with over 30 years of clinical experience, about his observations of the Child Dental Benefits Scheme ways to increasing participation rates.
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Redefining diversity in clinical trials
Ensuring inclusion, diversity, equity and patient input in the development of novel drugs and medical devices has become well accepted in health care. However appropriate implementation of these elements has been a challenge for many. Only by implementing these conscious inputs can patient outcomes be improved and health disparities in marginalised groups be addressed.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Gillian Mason, Consumer and Community Involvement Lead at Hunter Medical Research Institute in Newcastle, NSW on this topic discussed at the recent ARCS Conference in Sydney.
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Thyroid health into pregnancy
‘Without an adequate amount of thyroid hormone mothers can be exposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia or eclampsia, which affect around 10% of pregnant women and are the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Mothers who suffer from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences and hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies. Evidence also indicates a risk of reduced cognitive ability to their offspring.
‘Knowing if you are genetically predisposed to Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Diseases, which are both thyroid autoimmune disorders is important to be aware of, to ensure all appropriate tests are ordered. Autoimmune disorders may predispose mothers to a thyroid problem during pregnancy’, says Professor Creswell Eastman, who also serves as the ATF’s Principal Medical Advisor.
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Student nurse placements in primary health care
With an urgent need to manage increasing rates of chronic disease, an ageing population, and a rapidly-ageing primary health care nurse workforce, Australia desperately needs more primary health care nurses to enter the workforce before the current generation retires and cannot pass on its skills.
Most nurses start their career in a hospital. Historically, it was difficult for universities and tertiary education providers to arrange placements for student nurses in primary health care. However, the APNA Student Nurse Placement Program provides student nurses with a foot in the door to a career in vibrant primary health care settings such as general practice or community health to perform supervised activities.
