Trends in Access to Dental Care Among Australian Adults 1994 - 2008

A report "Trends in access to dental care among Australian adults 1994-2008" has been released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Between 1994 and 2008 half of all Australians visited a dentist most years and the proportion of those who visited for a check-up increased from 46% to 55%. However, there were growing inequalities in the use of dental care. People on low incomes, those who live in rural areas and those without dental insurance did not have the same gains in visiting a dentist regularly for a check-up compared to higher income earners, urban dwellers and those with dental insurance. (AIHW catalogue number (DEN204))