In many countries across Europe the public health system provides 100% cover for dental treatments. In Australia, dental care is not covered by Medicare which results in many Australians having untreated serious dental problems. Studies have shown that dental ailments can cause other health problems. By publicly funding dental care we can improve not only dental but also overall health and wellbeing through early intervention, saving costs. It's time our government take a long term view and make dental care part of medicare.