On November 20, 2013, experts in dentistry, oral and public health came together to launch the Australian chapter of the global collaboration the Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future. With national representation, the Australian chapter is the ninth chapter to join the global movement towards a cavity-free future. The Australian chapter formally launched iin January 2014.
Following discussions between the 2 countires, the launch of the Australia-New Zealand Chapter in New Zealand occurred in October at the 2016 annual meeting of the New Zealand Dental Association, with a table presentation hosted by New Zealand Chapter Members, dental therapists, dental hygienists, and dental students.
In Australia, as in many countries around the world, tooth decay is still a neglected epidemic, in spite of progress made in prevention and treatment. Government and personal expenditure to repair the damage caused by this disease is very
high as is pain and suffering with dental caries being the most common cause of acute preventable hospital admissions (AIHW, Australian Hospital Statistics 2009-10).
The local chapter which includes 20 leaders in dentistry and oral health who are committed to building upon the work already being done in the prevention of caries. Suggested initiatives include engaging general health and community groups, government leaders, dental councils and dental schools in Australia and New Zealand
with the aim of improving oral health through engagement, policy changes, and teaching curricula.
Wendell Evans – previous Head of Discipline, Community Oral Health Epidemiology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney and Professor Kaye Roberts-Thomson from Adelaide was welcomed during 2015 as co-chairs.