Federal budget 2012/13.

In 2009, the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission recommended the establishment of a universal dental program for Australia. This recommendation was not implemented and the Australian Government’s 2012/13 budget allocated $515.3million to improve dental services, with something of a shorter term focus on the needs of low income earners. After 16 difficult years for states’ and territories’ public dental services, following the cessation of the Commonwealth Dental Health Program in 1996, this funding is very welcome. However, there remains a need to clarify the vision for governments’ role in dental care. Is a universal dental program the eventual goal, or is the destination a more targeted approach to select groups? The 2012/13 budget package includes: