Hopcraft M, Farmer G. Impact of COVID-19 on the provision of paediatric dental care: Analysis of the Australian Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2021; 49: 369-376.

Low-income families were particularly affected

Children aged 2-17 in Australia from low-income families have access to $1,000 of dental care per annum through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

Data from the CDBS showed that in comparison to 2019, total services decreased by 22.4% in March 2020, by 86.9% (April), 48.1% (May) and 14.6% (June). From March to May 2020, diagnostic, preventive and restorative services all fell by around 50% compared with 2019. Endodontic and oral surgery services declined by about 30%. The decline continued to a lesser extent through to September. Extractions, however, increased in the period of June to September, reflecting either a catch up of deferred treatment or a deterioration of untreated dental problems.

The significant reduction in preventive services to this vulnerable population is concerning, given the importance of establishing healthy habits at an early age. Delayed dental treatment may lead to an increase in the likelihood of suffering from dental pain, with consequences for missed schooling and a reduction in quality of life.