Local patients are waiting more than 18 months for basic dental care, well above the State average of 13.5 months.
The Nationals’ State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the real problem with the public system is due to blatant mismanagement.
“When adults finally reach the top of the wait list, they are handed a voucher and told to find a private dentist because the public system can’t help them. Private practices are often unable to complete the work due to booking capacity, or the vouchers having such a short treatment timelines they’re expiring by the time they can complete the work,” Mr Bull said.
“In addition, even where providers are able to see these clients, many are understandably hesitant to do so because State Government voucher payments can take up to eight months to be fully reimbursed. Private practices simply cannot be expected to carry that cost for such an extended period
“This is a failure of the public system.
“Private dentists in East Gippsland do outstanding work and continue to support their communities, but they cannot be expected to carry the public system.
“It is not up to private practices to do the heavy lifting for a system the Labor Government has mismanaged.”
Mr Bull said the Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, has been aware of these issues for years.
“The Minister knows about these issues as I have raised them many times in Parliament. She has simply failed to act,” he said.
“The Government has had years to address workforce shortages and has failed to put any practical strategies in place.”
Labor can’t manage money and can’t manage public dental care in Victoria.

Monday, 2 March 2026