27 August 2026
Labor pledges $230M extra funding for oral health
Premier Carroll’s acknowledgement that oral health is fundamental to overall wellbeing is a welcome step for all Victorians. Strengthening access to dental care is essential, and any new investment must be shaped by a clear understanding of the significant oral health needs across our communities.
Many Victorians still face barriers to receiving timely dental care. As the peak body for dentistry and oral health in Victoria, the Australian Dental Association Victoria Branch aims to improve the dental health of all Victorians.
In addition to improving affordability, every dollar of public funding must improve access and equity in oral health care and translate into better outcomes for patients and our communities. ADA Victoria Branch is ready and resourced to assist and advise in creating a model designed to ensure:
- Currently eligible Victorians are not disadvantaged by expanding eligibility for government-funded dental services.
- Care is delivered by appropriately trained and qualified practitioners, including in the diagnosis and appropriate management of urgent problems and in the underlying causes of dental pain.
- Treatment goes beyond immediate pain relief and is supported by clear referral pathways and long-term follow-up.
- A realistic plan is in place to attract and retain the public clinical dental workforce needed to safely staff all clinics, including addressing how Victoria remunerates its dentists, and its unpaid registered dentists undertaking specialist training.
- Funding is directed where it is most needed, avoiding duplication of existing underutilised infrastructure.
- Demand is matched to capacity, so patients are not left waiting longer than they do today.
ADA Victoria Branch looks forward to continued consultation with government to build a durable, effective model of care that advances oral health for all Victorians and supports the dental profession that delivers it.
Media enquiries
Interviews are available with Dr Carolyn Ng, Branch President.
Contact:
Neil Hewson
Interim CEO
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 8825 4600
Mob: 0458 681 908
