After three decades of improvements, decay incidence in children
is now increasing, according to a report released today by the
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The report, Oral health in South Australia 2004,
developed from a range of surveys conducted by the Australian
Research Centre for Population Oral Health (ARCPOH), says that
dental decay in both primary and secondary school aged children
attending the School Dental Service has steadily increased since
the late 1990s.
In 1996, children aged 12-13 years had an average of 0.53
decayed permanent teeth but by 2002 this had increased by 75% to
0.93,' said Professor John Spencer of the University of Adelaide's
Research Centre for Population Oral Health.
'This is a worrying trend for future adult oral health, as this
is occurring despite nearly every child and adolescent using dental
services in the last two years, mostly at a school dental service
clinic.
'In contrast, about one-third of adults have not visited a
dentist in the last two years.'
Untreated dental decay accounted for over 10% of the total decay
experience among adults.
While most adults were satisfied with the dental care they
received, many avoided or delayed care, or recommended treatments
because of cost.
'This is despite the fact that over 50% of people in South
Australia have dental insurance, which is somewhat higher than the
national figure,' said Professor Spencer.
Tooth decay in adults using the public dental service has also
increased since the mid-1990s with dental problems, like toothache,
reported by up to one in four adults each year.
The patterns of oral disease, use of services, expenditure and
the labour force present a complex challenge for improving oral
health and meeting the community's need for dental care.
This report will help inform public discussion on the lead up to
the formulation of a South Australian Oral Health Plan under the
development of the South Australian government.
'What we want to ensure is a better fit between those in need of
dental treatment and the provision of dental services,' said
Professor Spencer.
26 August 2005
Further information: Professor John Spencer,
ARCPOH tel. 08 8303 5438 or 0412 220 859
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel 02 6244 1032.
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications
Catalogue for availability of Oral health in South
Australia 2004