❓ Hon Neil Thomson questions the Minister for Health regarding dental therapist vacancy rates in WA school dental therapy centres and average check-up intervals. The response details vacancy rates from 2017-2023 and average wait times for initial appointments.
AnsweredQoN 2067Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the current situation facing free dental services through school dental therapy centres, and I ask: (a) what has been the average vacancy rate of dental therapists in Western Australia for the following years: (i) 2017-18; (ii) 2018-19; (iii) 2019-20; (iv) 2020-21; (v) 2021-22; and (vi) 2022-23; and (b) what was the average interval for a child attending school before they are seen for a regular check-up in 2022-23?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 August 2024
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health
Response time
5 days
(a) As of 30 June, for each year
(i) 2017/18 0 FTE vacancies
(ii) 2018/19 0 FTE vacancies
(iii) 2019/20 3 FTE vacancies
(iv) 2020/21 0 FTE vacancies
(v) 2021/22 6 FTE vacancies
(vi) 2022/23 22 FTE vacancies
(b) Where required, locum dental officers are being utilised to address vacancies. In addition, Perth based DHS dental officers and therapists are deployed from their existing clinics to provide short term care in country locations. As of 30 June 2023, the average wait time for students on the Initial Wait List was 3.2 months. Under the National Oral Health Plan it is recommended that children receive an oral health check up every two years. Urgent care is provided as required.
(i) 2017/18 0 FTE vacancies
(ii) 2018/19 0 FTE vacancies
(iii) 2019/20 3 FTE vacancies
(iv) 2020/21 0 FTE vacancies
(v) 2021/22 6 FTE vacancies
(vi) 2022/23 22 FTE vacancies
(b) Where required, locum dental officers are being utilised to address vacancies. In addition, Perth based DHS dental officers and therapists are deployed from their existing clinics to provide short term care in country locations. As of 30 June 2023, the average wait time for students on the Initial Wait List was 3.2 months. Under the National Oral Health Plan it is recommended that children receive an oral health check up every two years. Urgent care is provided as required.
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