Pilot success could pave the way for national seniors dental scheme

A first of its kind dental pilot project has delivered near instantaneous positive results that suggest a government seniors’ dental scheme could improve oral health in older adults living in the community and in residential aged care. 

Key points

• The Maroubra Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule Pilot tackled the oral health of 70 Eastern Sydney seniors with a chronic disease and socioeconomic disadvantage, from November 2024 to March 2025.
• Under the pilot, dentists provided dental treatment, hand-in-hand with bespoke advice and information designed to improve oral health and reduce the risk from dental disease on the rest of the body.
• Academics from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health found improvements in oral health outcomes, particularly in the management of tooth decay, gum disease, and provision of prosthodontic care.

The pilot results add to a growing list of evidence in support of government-funded dental care for older Australians. Not only is dental care more expensive than ever for over 65s, the number of people admitted to hospital for urgent dental treatment is expected to increase by 42% within three years. 

Poor oral healthcare looms as aged care’s next big crisis.

However, these results indicate that early intervention, education and affordable oral and dental care can easily provide good outcomes for older adults.

“Participants also commented on the dental health education they received to help them clean and floss more, and see their dentist more often. These improved oral habits will have a beneficial knock-on effect on their chronic health condition,” Australian Dental Association (ADA) President Dr Chris Sanzaro said. 

“The results of the four-month pilot show that this scheme is a valuable blueprint for similar pilots to be rolled out around the country and inform the construction of a Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule (SDBS) down the track.”

The ADA previously shared with Hello Leaders that a SDBS modelled on the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) could provide around $1,100 worth of annual dental care. At around $1.1 billion in 2025-26 for 2.8 million eligible older adults, projected growth would still see the program cost far less than if dental care was included in Medicare. 

Estimates suggest that option would cost anywhere from $5 billion to $12 billion. 

According to ADA, the pilot’s holistic approach supported both treatment and behaviour change, potentially reducing further tooth loss and improving oral health.

Patients reported better-fitting dentures, improved confidence and a greater understanding of oral hygiene practices. All untreated tooth decay was successfully managed and prevented from progressing to more severe disease. 

Prosthodontic and restorative services delivered involved multiple appointments and procedures, reflecting seniors’ complex oral rehabilitation needs.

The program also provided the necessary encouragement patients needed to visit the dentist despite previously being hesitant due to cost, waiting times, transport or language barriers.

“If future pilots generate similar results, the government should see this as the clear proof it needs to introduce a dental scheme for seniors,” Dr Sanzaro said. 

“The pilot also demonstrates that with regular oral health maintenance people wouldn’t have to be suffering in pain with unmet oral needs, heading to emergency departments for urgent care. The SDBS would make this a reality for millions of older Australians.” 

University of Sydney Academic Associate Professor Bradley Christian led the evaluation. He emphasised the need for additional research on a larger scale, particularly in regional and rural locations, and among a broader cohort.

“These considerations would be essential for informing the design and implementation of a potential broader Senior Dental Benefits Schedule,” he added. 

Pilot participant Vicki McKraig has seen her gum health deteriorate due to her diabetes, with her appointments often delayed due to high healthcare costs.

“Seniors like me, we can’t afford to go to dental appointments so our oral health gets put astray. We find that other health issues come to the surface,” she shared.

Fellow participant and pensioner Cheryl Manning added that she has not seen a dentist in over five years due to long waiting lists.

“It’s become painful and irritating to try and eat and drink. Since I’ve been on the pilot project, I’ve got my new denture, and I can eat a lot more food than I could before… I think all seniors should have the same opportunity to get better health,” Cheryl added.