Public Dental Services in Victoria Waiting Times Data – Updated December 2024
Long waiting times for dental care mean existing dental problems worsen. As a result, just over one-third of all courses of care are for emergency treatment rather than routine care. People with poor oral health may experience pain and embarrassment, have trouble speaking and eating, miss school, have trouble getting a job, and develop other serious health problems. That’s why it’s so important that all Victorians have access to regular dental care.
The Victorian Oral Health Alliance is calling on both the state and federal governments to increase their investment in public dentistry so that vulnerable Victorians are able to smile. COVID-19 restrictions impacted on dental service provision through July-December 2020 and July-October 2021, resulting in a decrease in the number of patients treated and an increase in the ratio of emergency care to general care. Following a one-off injection of funds to tackle the long waiting lists, the average waiting times appear to have decreased.
Victorian Oral Health Alliance 