The Wire

A leading Australian dental association says a nationwide shortage of dentists is creating a crisis in the Northern Territory. The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons says, although the shortage is causing problems across Australia, the Territory is one of the worst affected areas. Research shows people with poor dental health are often at a higher risk of developing other life-threatening health problems like heart disease and pneumonia. Poor teeth also lead to poor digestion and nutrition. College President, Dr Ross Bastiaan, outlines problems and possible solutions discussed at the group’s recent annual conference in Darwin.