Dental Implants Kingston
Dentist shortage = bad teeth
This is an article by Sally Glaetzer that was recently published in Tasmania Mercury – Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
TASMANIA’S dentist shortage is being blamed for high rates of decay and tooth loss, particularly in regional areas.
But dentists say inadequate water fluoride levels and poor education also need to be addressed.
Almost 6 per cent of adults in Hobart have no teeth left, compared with 13 per cent in the rest of Tasmania, an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report found.
Nationally, 5 per cent of adults in capital cities had complete tooth loss, compared with 9 per cent of adults living outside capitals.
The report authors said Tasmania had 31 dentists per 100,000 people in 2005, compared with 49.5 nationally.
“Overall Tasmania fares worse than other parts of Australia,” author Judy Stewart said yesterday.
The report also found people in regional areas were more likely to have untreated tooth decay, particularly in the 15-34 age group.
Capital city residents were much more likely to have an annual check-up.
“People who visit regularly for a check-up generally have less invasive treatments than people who go to the dentist only when they have a problem,’ Ms Stewart said.
Kingston dentist Lincoln Law said his clinic treated patients from across the south of the state.
He said a lack of transport and the cost of petrol discouraged some rural residents from visiting a dentist, while others were simply not educated about oral health.
“There are still huge phobias about dental treatment and it doesn’t help when parents pass their fears on to their children,” Dr Law said.
“We get a lot of emergencies, or irregular attendees who only come when they have a toothache or a broken tooth.”
The shortage of dentists in Tasmania meant it was harder to make an appointment, he said.
He said “questionable” fluoride levels in the water supply for the greater Hobart area was another likely culprit for high rates of problems.
About the Author
NobleDentist offers low dental fees guaranteed for members at dentists, cosmetic dentists, and dental clinics throughout Australia. NobleDentist also provides a directory of dentists and dental clinics around Australia. For more information, visit Dentist.
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