Funding failure: Dental-related hospital admissions burden health and aged care

The growing crisis of preventable hospital admissions among older Australians due to untreated dental issues is placing significant strain on both the aged care and healthcare sectors.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has highlighted alarming statistics indicating that, without urgent action, the number of older adults requiring emergency hospitalisation for dental conditions will rise from 16,000 a few short years ago in 2022-23 to an estimated 22,630 by 2027-28 – a 42% increase.

The impact on aged care and healthcare systems

Poor oral health among older Australians is not merely a dental issue; these findings show that it has widespread implications for overall health and well-being.

Untreated dental conditions can lead to severe pain, malnutrition, and systemic health complications such as infections, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory issues. These conditions exacerbate existing health challenges in aged care settings.

Hospital admissions for preventable dental conditions also contribute to increased healthcare costs and strain on hospital resources, diverting funds that could be better spent on proactive and preventative care.

Yet it could all be preventable, according to ADA President Dr Chris Sanzaro.

“It’s a health trend that worsens by the year and while governments
of all persuasions deny that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body and oral health doesn’t need additional funding, this shocking treatment of our most vulnerable at the hand of politicians is only going to worsen,” he said.

“We wouldn’t treat our kids or even our pets like this – so why is it OK to wilfully ignore the mouths of seniors and other vulnerable Australians? The ADA finds it baffling at best and sadistic at worst.”

To address this escalating issue, the ADA is urging the Australian Government to implement a Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule, providing accessible and affordable dental care for older Australians. The proposed initiative includes:

• Targeted funding for dental care: Ensuring Commonwealth seniors’ health, pensioner concession, and health care cardholders aged 65 and over receive coverage up to a specified amount
• Integration of oral health in routine medical care: Introducing mandatory oral health assessments as part of GP check-ups for individuals over 75 to facilitate early detection and intervention

The role of aged care providers

A proactive approach to oral health will not only reduce hospitalisations but also improve overall well-being and dignity in later life.

The rate of potentially preventable hospitalisations due to dental conditions has fluctuated over time, from a low of 2.6 separations per 1,000 population in 2019–20, to a high of 3.4 separations per 1,000 population in 2022-23.

In 2022-23, almost 90,000 hospitalisations for dental conditions could potentially have been prevented with early intervention.

“Potentially preventable hospitalisations like these represent not only a burden on our healthcare system but also reduced quality of life for our ageing population. We should prioritise access to regular dental check-ups
and preventative treatments to reverse this trend,” Dr Sanzaro added.

Aged care professionals can play a crucial role in advocating for and supporting oral health among seniors. By incorporating routine dental check-ups into care plans and ensuring residents have easy access to preventive and emergency dental services, providers can aim to help reduce hospital admissions and enhance the quality of life for residents.

By prioritising oral health as an integral component of aged care, we can ensure a more sustainable healthcare system while improving the lives of our ageing population.