Reducing inequities in child dental health
2019 to 2024
Every child in Australia deserves good dental health.
Good dental health is essential to support overall health and wellbeing throughout life.
Tooth decay is the most common preventable childhood disease. One in three Australian children have tooth decay by the time they start school. This rises to more than 40% by the time they’re 8 to 9 years old.
Tooth decay affects children unequally. There are differences based on their families and their environments. Children from families experiencing adversity – such as socioeconomic disadvantage – are hit harder by poor dental health.
Tooth decay is one of Australia’s greatest preventable health inequalities. In our research snapshot, 'Reducing tooth decay in early childhood', we outline three strategies to improve children’s dental health.
Take a look at the resources below exploring why tooth decay in early childhood requires immediate attention, and strategies for reducing inequalities and improving children’s dental health.
Resources
11 June 2024
A research snapshot summarising two recent studies on modifiable factors affecting Australian children’s dental health.
30 October 2023
Professor Sharon Goldfeld and Dr Mihiri Silva talk to the MJA podcast about the urgent need to improve access to dental care for Australia’s children.
17 October 2023
An article that describes three good dental habits for families to help prevent tooth decay.
4 September 2023
An article detailing key policy opportunities likely to deliver immediate and enduring improvements in reducing inequities in child dental health.
31 August 2022
An article highlighting that inequalities in children’s dental health are responsive to differences in policies across countries
11 January 2021
An article that details how tooth decay is a leading cause of preventable hospital admissions for children.
3 June 2019
A paper that shows the most disadvantaged families were the least likely to access preventive dental services
13 March 2019
An article that investigates the role of paediatricians in the management of children’s dental health.
April 2012
A position statement supporting implementation of a universal access scheme for children and young people
The Melbourne Children’s Campus delivers high quality dental health services underpinned by research and education. This includes the RCH Department of Dentistry, Melbourne Dental School, and the MCRI Inflammatory Origins research group.