Dentistry welcomes the launch of Parliamentary Friends group in Canberra

A new Parliamentary Friends of Dental and Oral Health group launched at Parliament House in Canberra today, on World Cavity-Free Future Day, bringing together MPs and Senators from across the political spectrum to advocate for better oral health outcomes for all Australians.

Chaired jointly by Senator Helen Polley and Dr Monique Ryan MP, the group will provide a standing forum for parliamentarians to engage with the dental sector and champion reform, with a particular focus on children's dental health.

The ADA and Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) welcome the newly formed group along with oral health sector associations including the Oral Health Association of Australia (OHAA), the Australian Dental Prosthetists Association (ADPA), The Australian Dental Technicians Association (ADTA) and the Dental Assistants Professional Association (DAPA).

ADA President Dr Chris Sanzaro said “It’s great to be part of this group. Having parliamentarians from across the political spectrum come together around dental and oral health is a very welcome step, and the ADA has long advocated for the oral health of all Australians. Good oral health is fundamental to overall health, and it needs to be recognised as an essential part of our health system for all Australians. A fully funded National Oral Health Plan is how we turn that recognition into real change.”

The launch will hear from Dr Stephen Liew, Speaker of the General Assembly of the FDI World Dental Federation, and Mr Ryan Green, National President of ADIA, who will present on the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

ADIA National President, Mr Ryan Green highlighted the importance of cross-sector support to raise the awareness of the CDBS saying “About 2.3 million children in Australian are eligible for the CDBS but more than 1.5 million of them are missing out and we know that low awareness of the scheme is one of the major barriers.”

Attendees will also hear directly from a parent, who will share her family's experience of navigating children's dental care, alongside Dr Chris Sanzaro speaking on behalf of the dental profession.

Dr Monique Ryan MP will formally open the Parliamentary Friends group following the presentations.