The Dental Association warns more people are turning to the toolbox to fix their teeth, due to the rising cost of appointments.
New figures from the group show the price of an average visit - that includes general exams, cleans, x-rays and composite fillings - has gone up by $98 since 2020. Half of people surveyed have avoided going to the dentist because of it.
The Association's chief executive Mo Asmo says his members have seen dozens of instances where patients have pulled their teeth out with pliers, used sandpaper to file their teeth, or tried to whiten them with bleach.
He is calling for the $1000-a-year grant, which can be accessed by beneficiaries and some low-income workers, to be extended to those who don't quite meet that threshold, but still cannot afford dental.
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