ADA President Dr Karin Alexander labels this weeks Federal Budget as 'toothless'. "Having laid groundwork for the delivery of dental care for children in the previous Budget, it is disappointing that this action has not been accompanied by any further investment in the delivery of dental care to deserving groups in the 2013-14 Federal Budget", the Association said in a statement.

The Australian Dental Association's (ADA) pre Budget submission listed key areas that could be taken to further enhance the oral health of these sectors of the Australian community such as:

• Ensuring that screening and "home" maintenance of teeth and gums are core components in the education and training of all healthcare professionals working in aged and residential care.
• Utilising the existing private dentist workforce to provide services to public patients in rural and remote areas.
• Greater support for preventive measures

None of these measures were addressed.

The 2013-14 Federal Budget includes a measure to improve municipal and essential services, including water supplies, for Indigenous communities. The ADA questioned whether this would include fluoridation. Despite the effectiveness of this population health measure, the Department of Health and Ageing deflected responsibility for fluoridation to states and territories rather than lead in this key area. "This is even more puzzling given their proposed investment in the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (Grow Up Smiling- GUS)," the Association added.