Longlea mother Cate Perry voices dental care difficulties

She contacted her state and federal members of parliament to highlight the lengthy waiting list at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne’s Special Care Unit.

Her 25-year-old son, Alexander, has since received a surgery date. 

However, Ms Perry said her family’s experiences drew attention to something more than a protracted waiting list.

“I shouldn’t have to do this for my child to get dental care,” Ms Perry said. 

“There’s got to be a better way.”

She called on other parents of children with complex needs to put their parliamentarians to work by speaking up.

“We vote for them, and it is their role to support their constituents,” she said.

There was a long wait even for the initial appointment at the Special Care Unit, Ms Perry said. 

With the assistance of specialised x-ray equipment, the dentist identified three longstanding issues affecting Alexander’s oral health.

Alexander had regular appointments with a dentist prior, but was reluctant to open his mouth.

He is non-verbal and cannot communicate pain or discomfort, so Ms Perry is unsure of how long he has endured the conditions. 

Dental surgery waiting times patients are about 12 months for Priority 3, while Priority 1 patients should be seen in the Day Surgery Unit as soon as possible.

“All patients are assessed for treatment to ensure those who need priority care are seen first,” a spokeswoman for the Minister for Health said. 

“We are continuing to invest in our dental system, however the [federal] government has brutally slashed 30% of Victorian funding, which will see Victorians miss out or wait longer for critical oral healthcare, screening and treatment,” the spokeswoman said. 

“We will continue to advocate for this funding cut to be restored to ease the strain on waiting lists.”

Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters concurred and called for additional funding.