01 March 2021
Aged Care Royal Commission Final Report
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety handed down its final report today, and among many of the findings was that of significant neglect of oral health in residential aged-care settings.
CEO of the Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB) and public dental health expert A/Prof Matt Hopcraft said the report findings were no surprise.
'Having been involved in research into oral health in residential aged care over many years, the findings of significant neglect are unfortunately no surprise,' said A/Prof Hopcraft. 'Our research has shown that most residents suffer from poor oral health, with high levels of untreated disease and limited access to dental care.'
The dental profession has been advocating for greater recognition of the problems facing older Australians, and particularly those in residential aged care for many year, and for sustainable funding to improve access to dental care.
One of the key recommendations from the Royal Commission is to establish a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme by January 2023, to fund dental services for people living in residential aged care or in the community.
