Prevention pays: Cutting the cost of dental hospitalisations

Dental conditions are now the leading cause of potentially preventable hospitalisations in NSW

Dental conditions are a growing contributor to NSW's public hospital pressures, contributing to 24,300 potentially preventable hospitalisations in 2022. These hospitalisations have grown at 3% annually, faster than the 1% population growth rate, with dental issues the number one cause of potentially preventable hospitalisations (PPH) since 2020. The problem is particularly acute for young children aged 5-9, who experience rates of 12.3 per 100,000 people - more than double any other age group.

The cost to NSW is substantial and growing

The current annual cost to NSW's public and private health system is estimated at $147 million in 2022/23, with children alone accounting for $80 million of this cost in 2022/23. Without intervention, these costs could increase to $212 million by 2033 - a 44% increase - as hospitalisations rise from 24,300 to an estimated 35,100. This represents not just a financial burden but thousands of people experiencing preventable pain and suffering that could be avoided through better access to dental care.

Vulnerable groups bear the heaviest burden

Young children, older people, First Nations communities and those in remote areas face the highest rates of preventable dental hospitalisations. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 53% more likely to be hospitalised for dental conditions than non-Indigenous Australians. People in very remote areas face rates 44% higher than those in major cities. Most concerning is that these hospitalisations are primarily due to untreated tooth decay and cavities - conditions that are entirely preventable with proper oral health care.

Barriers to prevention are systemic and addressable

Despite the Child Dental Benefits Schedule offering up to $1,132 in free dental care over two years for eligible families, only 35% of eligible families in NSW use it. One in five NSW residents delay or skip dental care due to cost, rising to almost one in three for low-income earners. In parts of NSW, people must travel nearly 300km to reach a dentist, while public dental waiting lists stretch to 2.7 years.

Targeted solutions can deliver immediate impact

The report identifies ten evidence-based recommendations prioritising groups with the highest need. Key interventions include expanding mobile dental programs in schools, increasing uptake of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule through awareness campaigns, introducing dental vouchers for pensioners, and boosting funding for outreach services. With an investment of $37.5 million in expanded outreach alone, 7,500 additional people could access care. These measures represent crucial steps to deliver immediate relief to those most in need.

Read the full report. Download the factsheet.