Page 1503 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 11 August 1992

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MINISTER FOR HEALTH

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION 124

Dental Services

Mrs Carnell - asked the Minister for Health:

1. Can the Minister inform the Assembly as to the length of the waiting list and waiting times for the Public Dental Service?

2. What is the average cost per patient both for school dentistry and adult dentistry with regard to this service?

Mr Berry - the answer to Mrs Carnells question is:

Patients are seen from the four major Health Centres. The length of the waiting lists for the four centres are as follows: Tuggeranong 470 patients; Civic 1631 patients; Belconnen 1211 patients and Phillip 1040 patients. The numbers on the waiting lists and waiting times for treatment, are dependent on the number of staff available to each clinic, and vary from 12 to 18 months. As patients do not notify ACT Health when they no longer require the Service, it is unlikely that the number reflects the actual need. A significant factor in the long waiting times for treatment has bees the inability of the Service to attract and retain professional staff. Revised career and pay structures for dentists has resulted in improved staffing levels, reducing the time clients have to wait for treatment.

The average cost per client in the School Dental Service is $38.97.

The average cost per client in the Adult Dental Service is $73.18.

1503

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