2025 Federal Election
It’s Time to Act for Seniors
This election the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is calling on all candidates to improve the oral health of older Australians.
As a profession we know that older Australians are more likely to suffer from poor oral health, with more than half avoiding the care they need because they can’t afford it.
The human cost older Australians are paying is confronting.
• they are avoiding eating due to pain, lack of teeth or ill-fitting dentures.
• they have a higher level of gum disease.
• and there are alarming trends in the number of over 65s requiring hospital care for preventable dental problems.
The situation for aged care residents is often even worse, as detailed in the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
This election is chance to turn this around with additional, targeted, and sustainable funding.
This starts with a Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule for holders of Commonwealth seniors’ health cards, pensioner concession cards and health care cards who are 65 years or older for:
• Preventive care.
• Restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, and dentures to restore function and aesthetics.
• Emergency services and access to address acute issues promptly.
Political landscape
While some members of the Labor Party have expressed support for including dental care in Medicare, the Government has not committed to this expansion.
The ADA is calling on all political parties to recognise the importance of oral health and to commit to a policy which ensures seniors have access to the dental care they need.
ADA members can make an impact at this Federal Election
The upcoming federal election is a moment to secure lasting change for senior dental care in Australia, and your voice as an ADA member is crucial to making this happen.
By supporting this key advocacy campaign led by the ADA, you can help influence future policies that will shape the future of senior dental care.
We encourage you to:
Together, we can ensure this critical issue is at the forefront of the election conversation.
As part of our 2025 election campaign, we are seeking case studies highlighting the impact of dental and oral health issues on hospitalisations in older Australians (65+). If you or someone you know has a story to tell, or would like to request a media interview with one of our spokespeople, please email: media@ada.org.au
Access our 2025 Federal Election assets
Promote the campaign on your social media platforms.
The campaign explained in a highly visual, informative way for use on socials, emails etc.
Grab attention with this catchy animated video.
A template you can customise when speaking about the campaign.
Deliver your message succinctly and with impact.
Tips for explaining the campaign at your practice or clinic.
Your customisable letter to mail in or email.
All the main points of the issue at the heart of the campaign.
