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.

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Latest findings

In 2019, there were 58.7 dentists per 100,000 population in Australia

In 2020–21, around 1 in 2 (48%) Australians aged 15 years and over saw a dental professional in the last 12 months

In 2020–21, around 1 in 8 adults delayed seeing or did not see a dental professional at least once due to COVID-19

9 in 10 Australians can access fluoridated drinking water

Around three times as many children aged 10–14 years experienced toothache in 2017–18 than in 2013

In 2017–18, around 1 in 8 teenagers aged 14–17 consumed selected sugar sweetened beverages on a daily basis

Highlights

48%In 2020–21, around 1 in 2 (48%) Australians aged 15 years and over saw a dental professional in the last 12 months
67,000 hospitalisationsIn 2019–20, about 67,000 hospitalisations for dental conditions may have been prevented with earlier treatment
9 in 10In 2020–21, around 9 in 10 Australians reported that the dental professionals they saw always showed them respect
$9.5 billion was spent on dental services in 2019–20
About 7 in 10 children aged 5–14 brush their teeth with toothpaste at least twice a day
Over 1 milliondental prescriptions were dispensed in Australia each year (2013–2020)
58.7In 2019, there were 58.7 dentists per 100,000 population in Australia
1 in 8In 2020–21, around 1 in 8 adults delayed seeing or did not see a dental professional at least once due to COVID-19