Older adults are a priority population that need special attention.
Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
We have previously made submissions to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
- ADA NSW Royal Commission Submission April 2019
- ADA NSW Royal Commission Future Design of Aged Care System January 2020
This has led to us developing an ADA NSW Position on Oral Health Care for Older Adults.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s final report highlighted oral health as a major issue in need of action. Recommendations included a Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme to fund dental services for eligible older Australians which we continue to advocate for.
Attended Seniors Expo event, March 2024 and 2025
We attended the Seniors Expo at Fairfield Showground in 2024 and 2025. There were around 1000 people who attended the expo which gave us a great opportunity to engage with older community members about their oral health care.
Advocated for Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule, March 2025
In support of the federal ADA’s election campaign, “Time to Act- Accessible Dental Care for Seniors”, ADA NSW members across 25 electorates have written to their federal MP. Older Australians experience poorer oral health compared to younger people but are often not able to afford essential dental care. A Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule would provide targeted funding to improve access to dental care for older Australians.
Presented at the NSW Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing (MACA) Health Forum, July 2024 and 2025
ADA NSW Vice-President Dr Jodie Olivier has addressed a range of stakeholders at the MACA Health Forum at NSW Parliament House. MACA is the official advisory body to the NSW Government on matters of interest to older people.
Dr Olivier has had an ongoing involvement with MACA in 2024 and 2025. She has spoken about factors affecting poorer oral health of older people alongside Nathan Aulsebrook from the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists’​ Association (ADOHTA) who gave recommendations on how to improve equitable access to oral health care. This was part of joint advocacy with ADA NSW and ADOHTA.
