&geometry(706x85) "Australian Dental Industry Association")
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ADIA Contributes to National Fluoride Guidelines Update Workshop
 "ADIA Contributes to National Fluoride Guidelines Update Workshop")
ADIA Contributes to National Fluoride Guidelines Update Workshop
ADIA has contributed an industry perspective to national discussions on the review of Australia's fluoride guidelines.
From 26–28 October 2026, ADIA's Dr Sarah Raphael attended the National Fluoride Guidelines Update Workshop at the University of Queensland, hosted by the UQ Population Oral Health Unit.
The three-day workshop brought together a diverse range of Australian and international oral health stakeholders, including representatives from New Zealand and the Pacific, Australian public oral health service directors, professional associations, academics and clinicians.
Representatives from the Australian Dental Association, ADA Queensland, Oral Health Association of Australia (OHAA), Indigenous Dental Association of Australia (IDAA) and the Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD) were also in attendance, highlighting the collaborative approach to reviewing the evidence informing Australia's fluoride guidelines.
Supporting Evidence-Based Oral Health Prevention
Fluoride plays an important role in preventing dental caries and supporting oral health across the Australian population. As scientific evidence and community needs evolve, reviewing national guidance helps ensure recommendations remain relevant, effective and informed by current research.
The workshop provided an opportunity for stakeholders to examine the available evidence, share perspectives and contribute to discussions on future fluoride recommendations.
ADIA's participation ensured that the dental industry's perspective was represented in these important discussions, alongside those of public health professionals, researchers and clinical experts.
ADIA's Commitment to Better Oral Health Outcomes
Through its advocacy and engagement with national oral health initiatives, ADIA continues to support collaborative, evidence-based approaches to improving oral health outcomes.
Participation in the National Fluoride Guidelines Update Workshop reflects ADIA's ongoing commitment to ensuring the dental industry has a voice in discussions shaping Australia's oral health policies and preventive care recommendations.
| Posted in:Industry NewsNews & MediaGovernment & RegulationAdvocacy |
Parliamentary Friends of Dental and Oral Health launched in Canberra
 "Parliamentary Friends of Dental and Oral Health launched in Canberra")
Parliamentary Friends of Dental and Oral Health launched in Canberra
A new Parliamentary Friends of Dental and Oral Health group has been established, bringing together parliamentarians and dental sector leaders to strengthen advocacy and improve oral health outcomes for all Australians.
Officially launched at Parliament House in Canberra on 14 October 2026, the group provides an important platform for collaboration between government, the dental industry and oral health professionals.
Co-chaired by Senator Helen Polley and Dr Monique Ryan MP, the group will help keep dental and oral health on the national agenda, encourage informed policy discussions and support a stronger, more sustainable dental sector.
Strengthening the voice of Australia's dental sector
ADIA National President Ryan Green delivered the opening address, highlighting the importance of collaboration and improving awareness and participation in the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
This commitment to preventative dental care is also reflected in ADIA's Bite Sized Beginnings initiative.
Developed in partnership with Goodstart Early Learning, Primary Dental (For Health Group) and Colgate, the initiative aims to build oral health awareness and CDBS uptake among young children and families. Senator Helen Polley previously observed the program in Adelaide, highlighting the value of partnerships that connect national advocacy with practical community initiatives.
Working together for better oral health
ADIA is proud to support the Parliamentary Friends group alongside the Australian Dental Association (ADA), Oral Health Association of Australia (OHAA), Australian Dental Prosthetists Association (ADPA), Dental Assistants Professional Association (DAPA) and Australian Dental Technicians Association (ADTA).
The group's establishment represents an important opportunity to strengthen engagement with policymakers, raise awareness of oral health challenges and advocate for improved access to dental care across Australia.
| Posted in:Industry NewsNews & MediaGovernment & RegulationAdvocacy |
ADIA CEO Update: Federal advocacy in action across Adelaide
 "ADIA CEO Update: Federal advocacy in action across Adelaide")
Federal Labor Business Exchange, Adelaide
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivering the keynote address at the Federal Labor Business Exchange lunch.
On 23 and 24 July, ADIA Director of Policy and Education, Dr Sarah Raphael represented the association at the Federal Labor Business Exchange in Adelaide, held alongside the 50th Australian Labor Party National Conference.
Across the two-day program, Sarah met with senior members of the Albanese Government, including:
- Minister Mark Butler - Health and Ageing, Disability and the NDIS
- Minister Sam Rae - Aged Care and Seniors
- Assistant Minister Rebecca White - Women, Indigenous Health and Health and Aged Care
- Assistant Minister Emma McBride - Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Rural and Regional Health
- Minister Tanya Plibersek - Social Services
- Assistant Minister Ged Kearney - Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence
- Minister Jess Walsh - Early Childhood Education and Youth
- Minister Anne Aly - International Development, Small Business and Multicultural Affairs
The meetings provided an important opportunity to discuss the dental industry’s priorities and strengthen relationships with ministers responsible for health, aged care, social services and small business, all which intersect with the dental industry.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered the keynote address at the Business Exchange lunch.
A Roadmap to Oral Health Reform
A significant outcome from the National Conference was the passage of an amendment to Labor’s policy platform committing the party to develop a roadmap to include dental services in Medicare. The roadmap would use a staged and evidence-based approach to improve access, prioritising people at the highest risk in the community. This represents an important policy development for oral health and provides a foundation for further engagement on how any future expansion could be designed and delivered.
 Meetings with senior members of the Albanese government. |  Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese delivering the keynote address. |
| Posted in:Industry NewsNews & MediaCEO UpdatesGovernment & RegulationAdvocacy |
ADIA CEO Update: ADIA Parliamentary Roundtable highlights the the value of early oral health prevention
 "ADIA CEO Update: ADIA Parliamentary Roundtable highlights the the value of early oral health prevention")
Last week ADIA returned to Australian Parliament House for its 2026 Parliamentary Roundtable. President Ryan Green together with ADIA Board directors and members met with parliamentarians and senior departmental representatives to discuss opportunities to improve oral health outcomes across Australia.
The Roundtable provided a direct forum for ADIA delegates to raise priority issues affecting the dental industry and the broader community. Discussions focused on improving awareness and uptake of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, supporting better access to oral health care in aged care, and ensuring product regulation balances patient safety expectations with the ability to foster innovative product technology in Australia.
ADIA Parliamentary Roundtable delegates at Parliament House 2026
A key focus of the day was ADIA’s Bite Sized Beginnings pilot, which attracted strong interest from both parliamentarians and senior members of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The program was recognised for its potential to support early childhood oral health education, reach families through early learning settings, and help identify oral health issues before they become serious. The discussions highlighted the value of case studies, stronger data and practical evidence to demonstrate how prevention can reduce avoidable hospitalisations and improve outcomes for children.
Senator Helen Polley sharing insights at Parliamentary Roundtable
The roundtable also marked an important advocacy milestone, with the Parliamentary Friends of Dental and Oral Health group reformed and co-chaired by Senator Helen Polley and Dr Monique Ryan MP.
ADIA welcomed this important opportunity to engage with Parliamentarians and Departmental staff and guests in a constructive day of discussion. The insights shared will help inform ADIA’s ongoing advocacy for a stronger dental industry and better oral health for all Australians.
If you would like to discuss any areas of ADIA’s Government advocacy, please get in touch with ADIA Director of Policy and Education, Dr Sarah Raphael at advocacy@adia.org.au
Senator Jordon Steele-John with ADIA Roundtable delegates
| Posted in:Industry NewsNews & MediaCEO UpdatesGovernment & RegulationAdvocacy |
2026-27 Federal Budget: Key measures for the dental industry
 "2026-27 Federal Budget: Key measures for the dental industry")
Key measures for the dental industry
The 2026-27 Australian Federal Budget includes a range of measures relevant to small businesses, dental suppliers, manufacturers, laboratories, practices and public oral health services. ADIA has prepared a detailed Budget Brief to help members understand the key announcements and what they may mean for the dental industry. For the dental sector specifically, the Budget confirms ongoing Commonwealth funding to support the delivery of dental care to eligible adult patients through state and territory public dental systems. In the past, this funding has only been provided as a short-term measure. The Budget also confirms ongoing access for State and Territory dental services to bill through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Public oral health services must continue to bulk bill eligible CDBS services through public-sector arrangements. This measure adds an addition source of Commonwealth funding for the State/Territory public oral health services. These are significant changes that allow the State/Territory public oral health services greater funding assurance for longer-term planning, staff recruitment and equipment procurement, which may support greater demand within the dental industry. The Budget confirms several broader small business measures, including the permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off, company loss carry-back arrangements, start-up loss refundability, R&D Tax Incentive changes, payroll and red-tape reform, and tariff simplification. These measures may support investment, cash flow, compliance and innovation across the dental supply chain. While the Budget does not include a dental-specific business package, several measures may have practical implications for ADIA members, particularly those involved in importing, manufacturing, technology development, public sector supply, clinical services and small business operations. ADIA’s Budget Brief outlines these measures, industry implications, and key watch points for members. Members are encouraged to seek professional advice where measures may affect tax planning, business structure, procurement, R&D activity or investment decisions. |
ADIA continues to advocate strongly with the Government, TGA and health stakeholders on members’ behalf. If you would like to get involved in our advocacy you can email us at advocacy@adia.org.au. |
| Posted in:Industry NewsGovernment & RegulationAdvocacy |
