Dentists on the Hill – an update on our focus group meetings

The Australian Dental Association’s advocacy is grounded in what members are experiencing. Through two recent focus groups linked to Dentists on the Hill – our upcoming advocacy event in Canberra on 11 and 12 August – private and public dentists, general practitioners and specialists from around the country have shared candid insights on workforce, training and access. These conversations are helping shape the ADA’s push for a renewed National Oral Health Plan and broader policy reform.

This approach helps ensure our advocacy is not only evidence-informed but practice-informed.

Workforce pressures come to the fore

Unsurprisingly, workforce challenges dominated discussion. Concerns spanned both supply and distribution, with one dentist observing “we have an oversupply issue in the city” while rural and regional communities remain underserved. Another highlighted stark local realities, noting “in my own local area … we have seven dental practices” servicing a relatively small population.

The maldistribution problem remains complex. While regional training pathways show promise, participants acknowledged uncertainty about long term retention. “How do we get people to stay in the country?” one contributor asked, reflecting a persistent challenge across the health sector.

Quality, training and pathways

Participants also raised concerns about graduate readiness and international pathways. One practitioner warned of “issues in the accreditation process” and questioned whether some graduates are “adequately trained”. Others emphasised the need for fairer, more supportive pathways for overseas-trained dentists, noting the stress and cost of repeated assessment attempts.

There was strong support for structured bridging programs, with one participant suggesting universities could play a greater role in preparing internationally trained dentists for Australian practice.

Exploring new models of care

Alongside challenges, innovative solutions emerged. Alternative business models, particularly collaborative or employee-ownership structures, were discussed as a way to attract and retain practitioners. These models may appeal to younger dentists seeking flexibility and shared responsibility.

As one participant reflected, “the vocational elements of our industry have got lost in the commerce”, highlighting the need to realign professional purpose with sustainable practice.

Informing national advocacy

Insights from these focus groups are feeding directly into ADA discussions with government. Key themes such as workforce sustainability, equity of access and integration across the health system align closely with the proposed National Oral Health Plan.

Importantly, the sessions reinforced that there is no single solution. As one participant put it, “it’s really hard … I still don’t know” how best to address some of these entrenched issues.

A collective voice

What is clear, however, is the value of engaging the profession directly. By capturing diverse perspectives, the ADA is better positioned to advocate for practical, targeted reforms that reflect the realities of modern dental practice.