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

Over 1 million dental prescriptions were dispensed in Australia each year (2013–2017) Australians aged 15 and over have an average of 12.8 decayed, missing or filled teeth In 2014–15, about 1 in 2 Australians had seen a dentist or dental professional in the last 12 months In 2016–17, about 70,200 hospitalisations for dental conditions may have been prevented with earlier treatment Around 9 in 10 Australians aged 15 and over reported that the dental professionals they saw always showed them respect On average, Australian households spent $7.62 per week on dental fees in 2015–16 In 2016, there were 57.7 dentists per 100,000 population in Australia About 7 in 10 children aged 5–14 brush their teeth with toothpaste at least twice a day

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Highlights

42%of all children aged 5–10 have experienced tooth decay in their primary teeth (‘baby teeth’)
1 in 25Australians aged 15 and over have no natural teeth
3 in 10adults aged 25–44 have untreated tooth decay
$10.2 billionwas spent on dental services in 2016–17
1 in 4children aged 5–10 have untreated tooth decay in their primary teeth
3 in 10people delayed or avoided a visit to the dentist due to cost
1 in 2 Australians had seen a dentist or dental professional in the last 12 months in 2014-15
1 in 2people aged 5 and over have some level of private health insurance cover for dental expenses