National Oral Health

Policy Statement 2.1 - National Oral Health

Oral health and overall general health have been proven to be closely linked. As a result, the ADA believes that dentistry is an essential health service the benefit of which should be available to all people living in Australia.

Policy Statement 2.2.1 - Fluoride Use

Water fluoridation remains the most cost-effective and impartial way to keep peoples' teeth healthy, in conjunction with brushing twice a day, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, and regular dentist visits.

Policy Statement 2.2.2 - Diet and Nutrition

Due to the destructive effects of sugars and acidic foods on teeth, the ADA supports public health campaigns that promote healthy dietary behaviour to at risk age groups particularly children.

Policy Statement 2.2.3 - Oral Hygiene

Daily oral hygiene is crucial to the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums and should be a central component of public awareness campaigns conducted by government and industry groups.

Policy Statement 2.2.4 - Tobacco

Governments should increase taxation on tobacco products and ban their promotion, and fund stop smoking programs; dental practitioners should incorporate tobacco cessation guidance into patient care.

Policy Statement 2.2.5 - Prevention and Management of Oral Injuries

Injury to the teeth and gums, which is often irreversible and difficult to repair, can be prevented by the wearing of customised mouthguards and the implementation of appropriate health and safety requirements in the workplace.

Policy Statement 2.2.6 - Elective Overseas Dental Treatment

Overseas dental treatment should be discouraged for a variety of reasons including: Practitioner qualifications may not be equivalent, infection control may be unknown and no recourse is available for treating adverse treatment outcomes. Promoters of these treatment travel schemes should indemnify the consumer.

Policy Statement 2.2.7 - Emergency Overseas Dental Treatment

Where possible, travellers should not depart Australia with pre-existing dental problems, should have sufficient travel insurance to cover emergency treatment and obtain records of any treatment done overseas.

Policy Statement 2.2.8 - Teeth Whitening (Bleaching) By Persons other than Dental Practitioners

Only registered dental practitioners who are educated, trained and competent in teeth whitening procedures should use or supply teeth bleaching products containing more than 3% hydrogen peroxide or equivalent.

Policy Statement 2.2.9 - Body Modification and Dentistry

Body modifications in and around the mouth should be avoided because they can cause bleeding, infection, nerve and tooth damage and other health issues, including potentially fatal consequences. Governments must legislate safety standards to ensure that body modifications can only be performed by adequately trained and indemnified persons in a safe environment.

Policy Statement 2.2.10 - Direct to Consumer and Do-It-Yourself Dentistry

Governments should legislate to protect the public against the risks of direct to consumers and do it yourself dentistry. Dental treatment should be preceded by in-person examination, diagnosis and treatment planning.

Policy Statement 2.2.11 - Community Oral Health Promotion: Vaping

E-cigarettes may cause serious harm or injury and so should not be used; further research is needed to examine the health impact of the use of and exposure to e-cigarettes and their role in supporting smoking cessation.

Policy Statement 2.2.12 - Community Oral Health Promotion: Betel Nut Use 

Policy Statement 2.3.1 - Delivery of Oral Health Care: Special Groups: Children

Policy Statement 2.3.2 - Delivery of Oral Health Care: Special Groups: Adolescents and Young Adults

Policy Statement 2.3.3 - Delivery of Oral Health Care: Special Groups: Older People (previously was Aged Persons)

Policy Statement 2.3.4 - Delivery of Oral Health Care: Special Groups: Individuals in Remote Areas

Policy Statement 2.3.5 - Delivery of Oral Health Care: Special Groups: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

Policy Statement 2.3.6 - Delivery of Oral Health Care: Special Groups : Individuals With Disabilities

Policy Statement 2.3.7 - Delivery of Oral Health Care: Special Groups: Individuals Unable to Visit Dental Clinics

Policy Statement  2.3.8 - Delivery of Oral Health Care: Special Groups: Infants and Pre-School Children

Policy Statement  2.4 - Research

Policy Statement  2.5.1 - Delivery of Oral Health Care: Funding

Policy Statement 2.7.1 - Delivery of Oral Health Care: Facilities: Dental Hospitals

Policy Statement  2.7.2 - Delivery of Oral Health Care: Facilities: Hospital Dental Units

Policy Statement  2.7.3 - Delivery of Oral Health Care: Facilities: Dental General Anaesthesia Procedure Facilities

Policy Statement 2.7.4 - Mobile Dental Services

Policy Statement 2.8 - Non-communicable Diseases

Policy Statement 2.9 - Oral and Systemic Disease 

Policy Statement 2.10 - Oral Health and the Social Determinants of Health

Policy Statement  2.11 - Community Oral Health Promotion: Dental Volunteers

Policy Statement 2.12 - Abuse and Violence Victims and Dentistry

Policy Statement 2.13 - Ankyloglossia and Oral Frena