People living in the most disadvantaged areas of the country are twice as likely to put off or not go to a dentist compared to the richest of Australians, new data from the COAG Reform Council report shows. 

It also shows one-in-five people put off caring for their teeth. 

Ballarat dentist Dr Jins Jacob, from Alfredton Dental Clinic, said his clinic saw all types of people from different backgrounds. 

“There have been more people from low socio-economic backgrounds come since the Child Dental Benefits Schedule was brought in earlier this year.”

Dr Jacob said if people did not have to pay for dentists or endure long waiting lists, more people would take care of their teeth.

“If dental was covered by Medicare, it wouldn’t be a problem,” he said. 

“People will choose to get a tooth extracted or a filling, instead of getting root canal because of its expense.” 

He said he often saw people who had never been to the dentist before, or had not been for 20 or 30 years. 

“There is no set amount of time when you have to see a dentist, but a check up every six to 12 months is recommended,” Dr Jacob said.

“Then we can identify decay and other issues earlier, before they become a big problem.” 

COAG Reform Council chairman John Brumby says governments need to deal with this problem because poor dental care can result in major health problems and affect quality of life.

“If you front up for a job interview and you’ve got terrible teeth, the evidence suggests you’re not going to get the job compared to someone who’s got good teeth,” Mr Brumby said.

Just one person in 25 put off going to a doctor because of the cost.

GPs bulk billed so there was no cost to the patient at the moment, Mr Brumby said.

“If you go to the dentist to get a filling, it’s a couple a hundred bucks,” he said.

“And for more disadvantaged people, they can’t afford to take the top rate of health insurance, which often covers for dental.”

with AAP