Page 3698 - Week 08 - Friday, 24 August 2012

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Ms Gallagher: I am advised that the answer to the answer to the member’s question is as follows:

(1) The cost to the Health Directorate for providing dental services is/was:

(a) 2011-12 - As at the end of April 2012, the YTD operating expense is $7,394 million;

(b) 2010-11 - $9,177 million;

(d) 2008-09 - $8,688 million.

(2) The projected cost to the Health Directorate for providing dental services assuming a 3% CPI:

(a) 2012-13 - $9,139 million (this is less than the expenditure for 2010-11 due to the inability to recruit dental officers. In order to meet the mean waiting time, clients were referred out to the private restorative scheme);

(b) 2013-14 –$9,413 million - this does not yet include the projected cost for the new Gungahlin and Belconnen Community Health Centres; and

(3) As at 30 April 2012, the Health Directorate employs 10.43 full-time equivalent (FTE) dentists. Based on the ACT Health Clerical, Health Professional, Technical, Health Service Officers Union Collective Agreement 2007-2010, the average cost per dentist is $87,769 (salary ranges from $59,075 to $120,462).

(4) As at 30 April 2012, the Health Directorate employs 0.6 FTE hygienists. Based on the ACT Health Clerical, Health Professional, Technical, Health Service Officers Union Collective Agreement 2007-2010 the average cost per hygienist is $67,262 (salary ranges from $46,356 to $88,168).

(5) In addition to Dentists and Dental Hygienists, the Health Directorate also employs Dental Therapists/ Oral Health Therapists, Prosthetists, Dental Assistants, Orthodontists, Oral Surgeons and administrative staff.

(6) In relation to children and young people under the age of 14 who are eligible for the Health Directorate’s child and youth dental program:

(a) Centrelink data on eligible children and young people in total is not available;

(b) In 2010-11, 5878 children and young people accessed the service;

(c) Children and young people up to 18 years of age with a Centrelink issued card are eligible for free dental treatment. Children up to the age of five years receive free examinations and preventative treatment. Children up to the age of 14 years of age who do not have a Centrelink card are eligible for treatment with a co-payment of $55.00 which covers their entire course of care;

(d) Private dental costs for children and young people incur item based fees and vary at each practice. The Department of Health and Ageing publicly released the Average dental charges for privately insured services in 2010 which is attached for your reference (Attachment A); and

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