Inequalities in dental caries experience in Australia and New Zealand are evident.
Method:
Literature on inequalities in dental caries was searched.
Result:
For example, in New Zealand, the prevalence of untreated coronal decay is 12.2 for the least deprived but 27.2 for the most deprived children aged 2-11 years. The proportions of European, Asian, Pacific Island, and Maori Adults aged 18+ years experiencing oral health impacts (OHIP-14) often or very often are 15, 14, 24, and 23% respectively.
In Australia, 41% of 5 year-olds have dmft scores of >0. Their mean dmft is 1.8, but 10% of them have mean scores 9.9. 45% of 12-year-olds have DMFT scores >0. Their mean DMFT is 1.1 but 10% have 5 times that level at 4.8. The percentages of Australians age 15+ years with untreated decay who live in major cities, inner regional, outer regional, and remote/very remote localities are 24, 30, 30, and 38% respectively.
However, the gaps can be closed. For example, in New Zealand, mean DMFT scores for 20-24-year olds have decreased markedly; the 1976, 1988, and 2009 scores were 17.2, 9.7, and 4.1.
Conclusion:
Inequalities can be addressed.