On 8 March 2023, the Senate resolved that the Select Committee into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia be established to inquire into matters relating to the nation’s oral and dental health, and access to services. The committee was required to present an interim report by 20 June 2023, and a final report by 28 November 2023. This is the committee’s interim report.

The interim report contains three chapters. This first chapter introduces the inquiry, provides background information, and outlines the structure of the report. It summarises the current status of dental service provision across Australia, provides a history of Commonwealth involvement in the provision of dental services, and discusses previous inquiries into dental services.

Chapter 2 outlines the unmet need for dental services. This chapter presents the committee’s survey results, alongside research and data from established sources. It looks at the economic costs and social impacts associated with poor oral health, and considers service gaps for specific groups of people.

Chapter 3 looks at emerging issues for the inquiry and provides a high-level summary of key proposals raised in submissions received. The chapter also poses key questions for the committee to consider as it conducts public hearings, and deliberates around its final report.