There’s no doubt that the dental industry in Australia is indeed growing and there’s much demand for dentists in the industry. The dental industry in Australia consists of both registered and non-registered health professionals. There’s also the advantage that dentists can work in independent dental practices and be paid directly by those who get their services. Most other medical professionals including doctors in Australia are financed by the Government of Australia.

Let’s look at the rising demand for dental services in Australia with statistics from the dental industry.

What drives demand for dental services in Australia?

One of the main factors that drive demand for dental services in Australia are the following:

·        Population

·        Structure of the population such as demographics (elder to younger generations)

·        Education level of the population

·        Evolution of dental services in Australia

·        Prices of dental services

·        Individual consumer and social expectations

Growth in the dental industry through statistics

Here’s an outline of the demand patterns of the dental industry in Australia throughout the past years.

From 1994 to 2004 the annual demand rise was 3%. Thereafter the annual demand went down to 2% between 2005 and 2006. However, the demand rose to 3.5% in 2007 with the introduction of the Medicare Chronic Dental Disease Scheme (CDDS).

However, in 2012 this program was replaced by another program with a budget of $4 billion within 6 years. This is 33% less than the amount that was spent on CDDS, which was $1 billion.

Market structure for dental services in Australia

The Australian dental services market structure is driven by the following characteristics:

·        A majority of dentists work in their own private dental practices.

·        Individual clients pay approximately 80% of dental work conducted on them. This can be the individual’s own money or via private dental insurance.

Over 53% of Australians have private insurance which covers most of their dental procedures. This model is similar to the models used in countries like the US and Canada. However, the UK uses a different model where above 50% of dental services are funded by the National Health Services (NHS).

Here are some statistics on the market size for dental services in Australia.

·        The market size in 2022: $10.6 billion

·        Market size growth in 2022: 1.4%

·        Annualized market size growth (2017 – 2022): 0.6%

Why dentists choose Australia

There are many benefits to working as a dentist in Australia.

Reasons to choose dentistry

·        It’s a lucrative career.

·        It offers a great lifestyle.

·        You get to be your own boss.

·        It’s flexible.

Reasons to choose to work in Australia

·        It has a thriving economy.

·        High living standards.

·        It has various visa options for immigrants.

·        It provides pension benefits.

·        It provides a safe environment.

·        It has a good education system to pursue higher studies.

Increasing dentist job opportunities in the dental industry in Australia

With the rise of demand in the dental industry, there is an increase in dentist job opportunities for various dental specialities across Australia.

There has been an increase in the employment of dental hygienists, therapists, technicians and assistants all over Australia. The projection up to 2025 shows more of an increase in this area.

Here’s a comparison of dental sector employment when compared to other sectors in the healthcare industry.

This information shows the growth of various dental professions from 2000 to 2020. The overall trend shows a growth of 15,300 in 2001 to 22,400 in 2021. The projection for 2025 in terms of employment in the dental industry of Australia shows a strong growth up to 36,400.

Training trends in the dental industry in Australia

Statistics also show an increase in enrolment in dental programs across Australia. This shows the increase in interest in training as a dentist in Australia.

Data also shows a higher number of dental program enrolments in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.

Improved pay rates

Dentists in Australia have high salaries and pay rates. Dentist salary in Australia varies from $105,000 to $333,000 a year. The average salary of dentists in Australia is $214,000. It is a very good salary compared with other professions in the healthcare industry and various other industries in Australia.

Below are some of the average salaries of various dental specialities in Australia.

·        Chief Dental Officer: $129,724

·        Orthodontist: $198,334

·        Dentist: $134, 550

·        Periodontist: $123,457

·        Surgeon: $158,128

Varied dental specialities in Australia

There are thirteen dental specialities in Australia that are approved by the Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council.

·        Oral pathology

·        Orthodontics

·        Periodontics

·        Paediatric dentistry

·        Maxillofacial surgery

·        Dento-maxillofacial radiology

·        Prosthodontics

·        Endodontic

·        Oral surgery

·        Oral medicine

·        Forensic odontology

·        Special needs dentistry

·        Community dentistry

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