Overview

Good oral health is an integral part of good general health and wellbeing. Oral health can affect a person’s diet and nutrition and, as a result, their overall health, and can also have a range of social impacts.

Latest findings

In 2017–18, about 72,000 hospitalisations for dental conditions may have been prevented with earlier treatment In 2014–15, about 1 in 2 Australians had seen a dentist or dental professional in the last 12 months In 2017–18, private health insurers paid benefits for around 31.8 million dental services provided across Australia Over 1 million dental prescriptions were dispensed in Australia each year (2013–2019) About 7 in 10 children aged 5–14 brush their teeth with toothpaste at least twice a day Around 9 in 10 Australians aged 15 and over reported that the dental professionals they saw always showed them respect In 2016, there were 57.7 dentists per 100,000 population in Australia On average, Australians spent $7.62 per week on dental fees in 2015–16

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Highlights

1 in 4children aged 5–10 have untreated tooth decay in their primary teeth
72,000In 2017–18, about 72,000 hospitalisations for dental conditions may have been prevented with earlier treatment
$10.5 billionwas spent on dental services in 2017–18
$7.62 per weekOn average, Australians spent $7.62 per week on dental fees in 2015–16
97%In 2017–18, almost all (97%) adults aged 15 years and over brushed their teeth at least once per day
1 in 2Australians had seen a dentist or dental professional in the last 12 months in 2014–15
4 in 10people delayed or avoided a visit to the dentist due to cost
1 in 2people aged 5 and over have some level of private health insurance cover for dental expenses