IPC Health currently has more than 10,000 people across 3 LGAs waiting for a dental appointment, with some waiting more than 3 years. Dental wait times are increasing - and the solution is funding more dental chairs. We simply cannot meet community demand without more funded dental chairs and in more locations. IPC Health has advocated for more dental funding for over a decade.

In FY25-26 we supported 13,635 dental clients - people who can't afford the costs of private dental care and whose health is suffering as a result. We hear heartbreaking stories every day of people who are in pain, who can't eat properly, who no longer socialise, due to dental issues. And grateful clients tell us about the transformational impact of timely dental care.

Recently, IPC Health client Scott told us: "Fixing my teeth has given back hope and goals and so much to look forward to that I’ve missed out on. The confidence that a smile and teeth bring can’t be overlooked."

In 2024–25, approximately 89,200 hospitalisations across Australia for dental conditions were potentially preventable through earlier access to appropriate dental treatment (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2026).

Dental care is healthcare. Everyone deserves the health and wellbeing support they need to be Well for Life.

Click here to read more about the need for dental in Melbourne's west.