Outcry over Aussie plan to cut dental program

The Australian government is hearing objections about the closure of its Chronic Disease Dental Scheme scheduled for November, ABC News reported.

The plan covers a little more than $4,000 Australian ($4,100 U.S.) in dental treatment for those suffering from severe ailments of the oral cavity. A new plan is not scheduled for implementation until January 2014 for children and July 2014 for adults.

Diabetes Australia, academics, and the Australian Dental Association are urging the government to reconsider out of concern for poor populations, the article explained. One professor at Sydney University has begun an online petition and has collected more than 10,000 signatures.

In September, the government issued a statement notifying those that are on the plan that they have 12 weeks left to complete their treatment. Andrew Wong, a spokesperson for the Australian Dental Association, told ABC News that the time frame was far too brief to complete many dental procedures.

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek explained that during the gap in coverage, which could reach 19 months, the states will receive roughly $364 million ($372 million U.S.) to help reduce dental waiting lists.