Post by Banker on Mar 30, 2012 10:08:12 GMT 7
When it comes to oral standards, poor face their moment of tooth
The number of teeth people retain closely reflects their income. As their incomes fall, so do the number of teeth they are left with, the latest national figures on oral health show.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare study found that concession cardholders such as pensioners had twice as many missing teeth as other people, and were more likely to experience toothache, be uncomfortable with their appearance and avoid foods because of dental problems.
The close link between income and oral health is conveyed by details of the study of dentition in seven income groups. It shows that the number of missing teeth rises in seven steps in direct relationship to decline in household income status. Those on concession cards were more likely to have avoided or delayed visiting a dentist, to have forgone recommended treatment because of cost and to have difficulty meeting a $150 dentist's bill.
The Greens have begun an advertising campaign to put the pressure on the government to announce substantial moves in the budget towards a Denticare scheme focusing on care for disadvantaged people.
The institute's study showed that although concession holders were eligible for public dental care, only a quarter had gone to a public clinic at their last visit.
On average a quarter of those who visited a public clinic waited between one and two years for their appointment and nearly one-third waited more than two years. The Greens health spokesman, Richard Di Natale, who said he was not aware of the release of the study, said the aim was to build momentum for the government to make a substantial commitment to a universal dental system that ensured treatment for the needy. Senator Di Natale said he routinely saw low-income patients who could not afford to get treatment.
goo.gl/6yWNX
Banjo waiting for the dentist ;D
The number of teeth people retain closely reflects their income. As their incomes fall, so do the number of teeth they are left with, the latest national figures on oral health show.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare study found that concession cardholders such as pensioners had twice as many missing teeth as other people, and were more likely to experience toothache, be uncomfortable with their appearance and avoid foods because of dental problems.
The close link between income and oral health is conveyed by details of the study of dentition in seven income groups. It shows that the number of missing teeth rises in seven steps in direct relationship to decline in household income status. Those on concession cards were more likely to have avoided or delayed visiting a dentist, to have forgone recommended treatment because of cost and to have difficulty meeting a $150 dentist's bill.
The Greens have begun an advertising campaign to put the pressure on the government to announce substantial moves in the budget towards a Denticare scheme focusing on care for disadvantaged people.
The institute's study showed that although concession holders were eligible for public dental care, only a quarter had gone to a public clinic at their last visit.
On average a quarter of those who visited a public clinic waited between one and two years for their appointment and nearly one-third waited more than two years. The Greens health spokesman, Richard Di Natale, who said he was not aware of the release of the study, said the aim was to build momentum for the government to make a substantial commitment to a universal dental system that ensured treatment for the needy. Senator Di Natale said he routinely saw low-income patients who could not afford to get treatment.
goo.gl/6yWNX
Banjo waiting for the dentist ;D
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