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Mr President, I rise today to address a growing and urgent issue of oral health, which affects the wellbeing of thousands of Tasmanians. Before I move on, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and warmly welcome Dr Gavin Quek, secretary of the Australian Dental Association Tasmania, along with his family members - his mum, Victoria Phan and cousin, Ann Lee, who recently travelled from Malaysia to celebrate Dr Quek's birthday, which is today.

 

As we closely approach World Oral Health Day on Thursday 20 March, it is imperative that we acknowledge the increasing rates of dental decay, the barriers many face in accessing necessary care, and the need for bipartisan collaboration to ensure that oral health is treated as a fundamental right for all. Oral health is integral to overall health. It impacts our ability to eat, speak, work, and participate fully in society.

 

Yet, despite advances in modern dentistry, we are witnessing a worrying increase in dental decay, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. In fact, recent data from the Australian Dental Association reveals that tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease in Australia, disproportionately affecting those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and regional communities.

 

In Tasmania, the numbers are especially concerning. Reports indicate that one in two children aged five to six have experienced tooth decay and one in three adults have untreated tooth decay. Many of these cases go untreated for far too long, leading to pain, infection, and an escalation of the problem that, ultimately, requires complex and costly interventions.

 

This is not just a matter of inconvenience, it is a pressing public health issue that demands immediate and sustained attention. One of the critical challenges before us is access to general anaesthetic services for dental care, particularly for children and adults with special needs. Dental treatment under general anaesthetic is often the only viable option for individuals who, due to medical conditions, disabilities or extreme dental phobia, cannot undergo procedures in a standard clinical setting.

 

Prolonged waiting periods due to limited access mean children continue to experience pain, miss school, and, in some cases, develop additional health complications. I encourage increased awareness of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, a critical, yet underutilised resource from the federal government that ensures eligible children receive essential dental care. The situation is equally dire for adults with special needs, many of whom are unable to communicate their pain effectively. Their deteriorating oral health can lead to severe infections, hospitalisations, and diminished quality of life.

 

We must address these shortcomings with targeted solutions. We must also ensure that Tasmanians living in rural and remote areas have access to treatment, not just those in urban centres. As highlighted in the recent report from the Tasmanian Audit Office, consistent and increased funding is necessary to ensure long‑term improvements in dental service delivery and to address systemic inefficiencies. Preventative care must also be a cornerstone of our response. We must strengthen community‑led initiatives that promote early intervention, increase fluoride access, and support families in understanding the importance of regular dental checkups. By focusing on prevention, we can reduce the burden on our already overstretched health system and prevent minor dental issues becoming major health crises.

 

We cannot achieve these goals in isolation. Oral health is not a partisan issue. It is a universal right. It is incumbent upon all of us, regardless of political affiliation, to work together to develop long‑term strategies that ensure every Tasmania has access to timely and affordable dental care. Indeed, I respectfully invite my honourable colleagues to take a proactive approach in addressing these urgent concerns. We have a responsibility to the people we serve: children, the elderly, those with disabilities, and all Tasmanians who deserve to live without the burden of preventable dental disease. We must act now, not just for those experiencing pain today, but for the generations to come.

 

World Oral Health Day is a time for reflection. More importantly, however, it is a time for action. Let us reaffirm our commitment to making oral health a priority. Let us work together to build a system that is accessible, equitable, and focused on prevention. Let us ensure that no Tasmania is left behind when it comes to receiving the dental care they need and deserve. Thank you.