News
28 April, 2025
Higher costs making oral care a lower priority
More than half of Australians aged over 65 are delaying dental care due to cost, with many suffering painful and untreated oral health problems, new research shows.
The Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) annual survey of 25,000 people found 55 per cent of seniors had put off visiting the dentist in the past year. Of those, nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) cited affordability as the reason.
The result, according to the ADA, is a rise in debilitating oral issues, with 47 per cent of older Australians reporting pain, swelling, or infections, compared to 36 per cent of the general population.
ADA President Dr. Chris Sanzaro said the data painted a grim picture of the nation’s dental health. “They can’t get to the dentist regularly because they can’t afford it, and so their mouths become a battleground of pain and infection management,” he said.
He warned that delays were sending more seniors to emergency departments, with 16,000 hospital admissions for dental problems in 2022–23. That figure is projected to rise to 22,630 by 2027–28 — a 42 per cent increase.
The study also revealed that seniors are visiting the dentist less frequently than other age groups, with 23 per cent going only once every five years. Three in four seniors said they had faced barriers to treatment, with 65 per cent naming cost as the main obstacle.
A further 30 per cent said fear of unexpected expensive treatments was a reason they avoided appointments.
Despite this, the ADA said dentists were doing their best to contain costs, with fees rising more slowly than CPI over the past decade.
Dr. Sanzaro said there was strong public backing for a federally funded Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule, with 76 per cent of Australians supporting the initiative.
