Dentists and oral health therapists have reached a new national agreement that will support the delivery of oral health services for children and young people, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“This is great news for our children and young people; good oral health is an important part of keeping children healthy and well. We want children and young people to get the dental care they need, when they need it,” Mr Doocey says.

$78 million is being invested in child and adolescent oral health services in 2026/27, including a 5 per cent increase in funding to support free dental care for 0- to 17-year-olds.

This funding is for private dental providers, including a 3.16 per cent increase for the dental procedures providers carry out most frequently, a temporary administration payment for high-caries treatment plan applications, and additional funding for population growth because there are more young people eligible for oral health services.

A wider Oral Health Services Review is also being progressed, looking at how services are funded and delivered, opportunities to reduce unnecessary administration, and options to better reflect clinical need and improve access to care for children and young people.

“We know there are broader issues to work through. The review will help us make sure oral health services continue to meet the needs of children, young people, and their families for years to come.”