Oral health and access to dental care in rural and remote areas of Australia: research report, September 1999

This report provides information on some aspects of oral health and use of dental services in rural and remote areas. Australians in rural and remote areas are at a disadvantage in accessing dental care due to the lack of availability of dentists and other oral health facilities, and the greater distances involved. Capital cities have almost double the rate of practising dentists per 100,000 population than the rest of Australia (51.2 cf. 28.7). A higher rate of problem-oriented dental visits and fewer people making a recent visit are the most striking differences in access to dental services in country areas. These differences leave residents of rural and remote areas in poorer health than their urban counterparts.

ISSN 1323 8744; Cat. no. DEN 50; 4pp.; INTERNET ONLY