The Australian Greens are calling on the Government to ensure that universal, affordable dental health care is fully adopted following the release today of the report by the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission.

"It has long been Greens policy to incorporate dental care into Medicare. We believe that it is essential that all Australians have access to dental care. It is just as essential to have good dental health as other forms of health," said Australian Greens health spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert, commenting on media reports today.

"Poor dental health is the strongest indicator of social disadvantage in Australia. This has to be addressed urgently," she said.

"The current system where dental health is a luxury that only wealthier Australians can afford cannot continue."

"We welcome the recognition of the DentiCare system by National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission and look forward to the Government implementing it as soon as possible," said Senator Siewert.

"This renewed focus on preventative and better funded health care is most welcome, and highlight the need to shift the focus towards nationally creating a healthier community," she concluded.

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