Latrobe Community Health Service will benefit from new and upgraded dental equipment, which will ensure locals get better and safer public dental care, more quickly.

The Andrews Labor Government is investing more than $207 million in public dental services in 2015-16.

This funding will provide dental treatment to over 332,000 eligible patients this year, and includes more than $3.7 million to upgrade equipment at more than 40 public dental clinics across the State.

Latrobe Community Health Service will receive funding for four new sterilisers and five x-ray machines which will mean higher quality care, improved safety and better outcomes for patients.

The Andrews Labor Government is investing in Victoria’s health system so that more patients can get the care they need when they need it.

In contrast, the Federal Abbott Government has slashed funding for public dental services.

The National Partnership Agreement on Adult Public Dental Services was supposed to provide Victoria $220 million over three years, however this was cut in the recent Federal Budget to just $38.5 million for one year only.

These federal funding cuts will see 214,400 fewer Victorians receiving dental care this year, and it’s not yet clear what – if any – continued funding will be provided in future years.

The failure to commit to funding beyond this financial year places even more pressure on public dental services and will see Victorians wait even longer for vital dental treatment.

The Andrews Labor Government is committed to improving dental services for Victorians because good oral health is vital to an individual’s general health and their overall sense of wellbeing and self-esteem.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy

“Good oral health is the foundation for good overall health, and the Andrews Labor Government is investing in new equipment and technology to ensure Victorians get the best public dental care possible, more quickly.”

“We know that lack of access to timely dental care can cause conditions to worsen and can even lead to chronic disease.”

“The Abbott Government’s cuts to public dental services will see Victorians wait even longer for vital dental treatment.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing MP

“The four new sterilisers and five x-ray machines will mean that Latrobe Community Health Service can continue to deliver much needed public dental services to the local community.”

“The dentists and dental technicians at Latrobe Community Health Service will now be able to help even more Gippslanders with dental services that make a real difference to health and wellbeing.”