According to a recent study, over-65s have the worst dental health of any demographic. It raises the question of whether we are doing enough to look after the dental health of our older population. Many health professionals have long regarded the dental health of seniors as a critical issue. Four years ago, the Aged Care Royal Commission recommended that a seniors’ dental scheme be established. In November 2023, a Senate report into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia also made a similar recommendation.
Despite this, the Federal Government has not yet committed to improving access to dental care for seniors.
So why is a seniors’ dental scheme so important, and how would it work?
What is the issue?
Financial concerns also prevent many older Australians from receiving the dental care they need. 55 per cent of those aged over 65 say they have put off dental treatment in the last year. Affordability is the reason cited most often.
This has significant health impacts for seniors. Nearly half of all over-65s reported issues such as tooth or gum pain, mouth or face swelling or a mouth infection. In 2022-23, 16,000 seniors were admitted to hospital for treatment of dental issues. This figure is up from 10,500 in 2016-17. It’s expected the issue will only get worse. By 2026/27, the number of seniors admitted to hospital for preventable dental issues is expected to increase a further 42%.
Aged care residents face even more challenges in accessing dental care. The Aged Care Safety & Quality Commission reported that oral hygiene ranked among its top five aged care complaints it received in the first quarter of this year.
People in aged care often have limited access to dental care. This is often because they can’t easily get out and about to see a dentist. Yet, despite the demand, few dentists are willing to visit aged care homes.
How would a seniors dental scheme work?
Experts estimate over 2.8 million Australians over the age of 65 would be eligible for a Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme .One proposal would allow eligible seniors to access up to $1,132 in free dental treatment every two years. The Parliamentary Budget Office estimates a seniors dental scheme would cost $1.14 billion in 2025/26, with this figure rising to $1.26 billion is 2026/27.
However, experts say the benefits of a seniors dental scheme would far outweigh the cost. In particular, it would encourage seniors to pursue preventative treatment such as check-ups, cleans and X rays.
Chris Sanzaro is the president of the Australian Dental Association. He says a seniors dental scheme would save the healthcare system money by avoiding the need for seniors to undergo preventable dental treatment.
“Finding those [dental] problems when they’re a lot smaller makes the treatment easier to achieve and more cost-effective … it’s a way better outcome,” Dr Sanzaro told the ABC.
What has been the government’s response?
The government says it understands the public’s concerns. However, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has said the government’s priority is to strengthen Medicare and re-build general practice. He warned people not to expect any changes to dental in the short term.
As we age, maintaining good dental health is vital to preventing broader health complications in seniors. That’s why dental care must be made both affordable and accessible for all older Australians.
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Article References
Edmonds, C & Worthington, E (19 March 2025) ‘Dentists call for free oral health scheme for seniors as hospitalisations surge’, ABC News, accessed 24 April 2025.
Pollard, E & Miles, J (13 April 2025) ‘Push for seniors’ dental scheme grows ahead of federal election’, ABC News, accessed 24 April 2025.
Shultz, S (10 April 2025) ‘Older Australians can’t afford good dental health: Survey’, Aged Care Insite, accessed 24 April 2025.