The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has stressed the need for improvements to dental health initiatives across the region in order to combat preventable hospital admissions and poor health outcomes for local children.
Ms Cleeland, who is the Shadow Assistant Minister for Health, met with representatives from the Victorian Oral Health Alliance during the most recent sitting week of Parliament to discuss the ongoing challenges caused by a lack of access to effective oral health services.
“Dental issues are the leading cause of preventable hospital visits in Australia, and we need to improve access to oral health services for our communities,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Kids are being hit the hardest—40% of dental-related admissions are for children aged nine and under.
“Delaying dental care only leads to worse health outcomes and long-term disadvantages for kids in our towns. This needs urgent action.”
While only 10 per cent of Victorians do not have access to fluoridated water, major areas within the electorate are missing out, including Heathcote, Euroa, Broadford, Nagambie, Rushworth, Violet Town, Murchison, and Stanhope.
“Our region has some of the largest populations without fluoridated water in the state,” Ms Cleeland said.
“At the same time, access to public dentists is severely lacking, our facilities are understaffed, and programs like Smile Squad haven’t delivered for our communities.
“Labor has failed to give our towns a fair go on oral health, and that needs to change.”
Ms Cleeland has raised her concerns with the health minister, putting forward a series of questions calling for more information on when this government plans to address these issues.
“To improve oral health at home, start with the basics—brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and spit, don’t rinse after brushing to let the fluoride protect your teeth,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Parents play a big role too. Brushing your children’s teeth for them, especially when they’re young, sets up good habits for life and helps prevent serious dental issues down the track.”
