A 1 year wait for dentures?

[i-need-a-martini]

This woman had to wait 17 months which is outrageous. But then the article goes on to say that the wait is NORMALLY 1 year.

I didn't realise this the norm. 

I know that the public health system has this weird process whereas they will pay for you to go to a subsidised dentist to have all of your teeth removed if they are unstable or rotting. But surely this can be followed up immediately with replacement dentures? 

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/apology-for-woman-left-with-no-teeth-for-17-months-20140126...

[bright.ton42]

In Victoria my local community dental clinic gives you dentures immediately  -   well a few days taken to make them but you get them very quickly .    I've accompanied people who qualify and the clinic is fantastic,   state of the art set ups and competent dentists. 

I gather that if you go to the main Dental Hospital though there is a long wait.  

This clinic costs a standard $20 for the first visit and if the treatment is ongoing I don't think they charge any more, nor for the dentures.  . 

[boris1gary]

I've always loved victoria, if it wasn't for Hubby's job we would move down  there in a heartbeat. Not for the dental care, we don't qualify (yet).

[purple_haize]

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@bright.ton42 wrote:

In Victoria my local community dental clinic gives you dentures immediately  -   well a few days taken to make them but you get them very quickly .    I've accompanied people who qualify and the clinic is fantastic,   state of the art set ups and competent dentists. 

I gather that if you go to the main Dental Hospital though there is a long wait.  

This clinic costs a standard $20 for the first visit and if the treatment is ongoing I don't think they charge any more, nor for the dentures.  . 

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The Victoria Dental Hospital have a 15 month wait.........however if it is urgent or you are in pain, they will see you before then. Or you can go to one of the Community Dental Clinics that are in most municipalities.

They will see you on the day you ring up or the next day........very good service.

[bright.ton42]

It's funny (and wrong)  the way the states differ.   they all should be the same in providing good health care.  

[purple_haize]

I always thought that all states had the plans going where the dr. puts you on a plan for whoever you want to see.

Apparently it is a State thing, and not done by the Federal Govt.

So glad that I live in Victoria, then

[i-need-a-martini]

Well it is wrong that anyone should have to wait more than a few weeks for dentures.

I didn't realise...

Anyone know what is happening with the $4bill dental scheme now that the Coalition is in power? (I'm not interested in a Liberal vs labor argument. Just want to know if the scheme is going ahead as I can't find anything on the LIberal Party website)

[**meep**]

Martini, unfortunately, that is the norm and has been for many years.  1 year wait would be considered quite reasonable, sadly.....

You will probably find some info here:

http://www.health.gov.au/dental

[purple_haize]

In Vic. if you go to the comm. dental place, say you have a toothache and they cant fit you in, they will give you a voucher and a list of dentists that are in the scheme, and you can go to one on the list and all you pay is $25.

My daughter last week, got a letter from govt. saying that her two children aged 9yrs and 3yrs, could have any dental work done over a period of 2 years and there was a voucher for both kids of $1000 each.

Now I dont know if that is for everyone or only for kids that have problems, my daughter is carer to both kids.

[**meep**]

it seems that even though teeth play a very important role in a persons general health, they are not considered important by successive govts.

The Chronic Disease Scheme was a good initiative.  I know quite a few people who were able to receive desperately needed treatment under the scheme.

[jean2579]

meep, when my OH asked about that, he was told that it no longer operated. Apparently it was very good.