Tasmania has some of the poorest oral health outcomes in Australia. Rates of untreated decay, gum disease, and avoidable hospitalisations linked to dental issues remain alarmingly high. For many Tasmanians—especially those in rural and low-income communities—seeing a dentist is simply too expensive or too far away.
In response, the Tasmanian Greens have proposed a bold idea: fund universal dental care by taxing large corporations. This so-called “tooth tax” aims to make dentistry a part of the public health system, much like seeing a GP under Medicare. But is it the solution Tasmania needs?
The Scale of Tasmania’s Dental Health Crisis
Dental statistics in Tasmania paint a worrying picture:
- One in three adults has untreated tooth decay.
- Hospitalisations for preventable dental conditions are higher here than the national average.
- Long waiting times in the public system often leave patients suffering for months.
It’s not unusual for people to wait years for subsidised dental appointments. In the meantime, many rely on quick fixes—visiting an emergency dentist open on weekends when pain becomes unbearable. This reactive approach costs more, both for patients and the health system, than timely preventive care would.
What the ‘Tooth Tax’ Proposes
The Greens’ plan involves introducing a levy on big corporations, with the revenue dedicated to funding universal dental care. The model echoes other tax-based health initiatives, such as Medicare itself, which is partly funded by the Medicare levy.
The funds would go towards:
- Free or low-cost preventive check-ups.
- Faster access to fillings, crowns, and dentures.
- Emergency treatment without the financial burden.
- Improved rural and outreach services, so Tasmanians don’t need to travel hundreds of kilometres for care.
By shifting the burden from individuals to corporations, the Greens argue that oral health would become a right rather than a privilege.
Support and Skepticism
Dentists and health advocates generally welcome any investment in oral health, acknowledging that Tasmania has been left behind. They stress that preventive care saves money in the long run, as it avoids costly hospitalisations for abscesses or advanced gum disease.
However, critics question whether a corporate “tooth tax” is the best funding model. Opponents argue that corporations may pass the cost on to consumers, and some worry about how funds would be distributed fairly across states and territories.
There is also the challenge of workforce capacity. Even with funding, Tasmania needs more dentists, oral health therapists, and hygienists to meet demand. Without addressing staffing, universal dental care could risk long queues similar to the current public system.
Emergency Dental Needs: A Stopgap Solution
While policymakers debate long-term reforms, Tasmanians still face urgent dental needs today. For many, searching for an emergency dentist open on weekends remains the only realistic option when pain strikes.
Emergency clinics play a vital role in:
- Managing severe toothaches and infections.
- Treating broken teeth or lost fillings.
- Providing short-term relief until patients can afford or access further treatment.
But relying on weekend emergency services is not sustainable. It highlights the system’s failure to provide affordable, routine care. A universal dental scheme, if implemented, could reduce reliance on such stopgaps by making preventive visits more accessible and affordable.
Could Tasmania Lead the Way?
Tasmania has a history of being at the forefront of progressive reforms in Australia, from environmental protection to social policy. If a corporate-funded dental scheme were trialled here, it could serve as a model for the rest of the country.
The proposal also raises a broader question: why is dental health still excluded from Medicare? Medical and dental health are inseparable—oral infections can worsen diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy outcomes. Reform advocates argue that ignoring dental in national health funding makes little sense.
A Chance for Change
Tasmania’s poor oral health outcomes demand bold action. The Greens’ “tooth tax” is an ambitious proposal that directly tackles affordability and access. While there are valid concerns about funding mechanisms and workforce shortages, the concept shines a light on a long-neglected area of healthcare.
Until structural reforms take place, Tasmanians will continue to rely on stopgap measures—like searching for an emergency dentist open on weekends—to cope with pain and emergencies. But with real investment, Tasmania could transform dental care from a privilege into a universal right, setting a precedent for the rest of Australia.
Q1. Why does Tasmania need dental reform?
Tasmania has some of the highest rates of untreated decay and preventable dental hospitalisations in Australia. Public waiting lists can stretch for years, leaving many without timely care.
Q2. What is the ‘tooth tax’?
The proposed “tooth tax” is a levy on large corporations. The revenue would be used to fund universal dental care in Tasmania, ensuring affordable or free access for all residents.
Q3. How would universal dental care help Tasmanians?
It would provide regular check-ups, preventive treatments, and affordable emergency care. The aim is to reduce reliance on costly stopgaps like searching for an emergency dentist open on weekends when pain becomes unbearable.
Q4. What challenges could the scheme face?
Key challenges include securing enough dental professionals to meet demand and ensuring corporations don’t pass costs onto consumers. There are also concerns about how funds would be distributed nationally.
Q5. Why isn’t dental already covered under Medicare?
When Medicare was introduced, dental was excluded largely due to funding concerns. As a result, dentistry remains one of the most privately funded areas of healthcare in Australia.
Q6. How do Tasmanians currently manage dental emergencies?
Many turn to private emergency clinics, often looking for an emergency dentist open on weekends. While these clinics provide relief, they are expensive and don’t address long-term oral health needs.
Q7. Could Tasmania’s model influence the rest of Australia?
Yes. If successful, a corporate-funded dental scheme in Tasmania could inspire broader reforms, potentially bringing Australia closer to including dental care under Medicare.
Q8. What role does preventive care play in reform?
Preventive care reduces long-term costs by addressing issues early. By funding check-ups and cleanings, the scheme could decrease expensive hospitalisations for advanced oral diseases.