Australia Dental Industry
The Australian market for dental equipment is mature, competitive and price sensitive. U.S. medical equipment is well-received due to its perceived innovation and high quality. With more than 85 percent of medical products coming from abroad, the Australian healthcare industry is dependent on imports.
Most dental consumables and instruments are imported as local manufacturing accounts for less than 3% of dental products. There is demand for a full range of high quality, innovative dental products.
Australia has a government-funded healthcare scheme, Medicare. However, in contrast with other health services, the Dental Services industry is predominantly privately funded. Most patients pay for dental care, check-ups and procedures out of their own pocket, and some use private health insurance to subsidize the cost. Patients with private health insurance are more likely to regularly go to the dentist and undergo expensive procedures. Approximately 50% of Australians have some level of private health insurance cover for dental expenses.
The Dental Services industry is forecast to post steady growth as rising disposable incomes and demand for oral health services increases as a result of a growing and ageing of the population, increased tooth retention, consumer expectations and changing dental service provision. Opportunities exist for innovative dental technology related to cosmetic, restorative and preventative services, and products that serve Australia’s ageing population who are increasingly keeping their natural teeth for longer.
Children and adolescents are more likely to consult a dental professional than adults. 33.5% of patients visiting dentists do so for preventative and diagnostic services, 23% for restorative services, 14% for prosthodontics and 29.5% for other specialist services. There are approximately 16,500 dentists in Australia with the majority (84%) employed in private practices. Fifty percent work in group private practices and 25% work in solo private practices. Six percent of dentists work in public clinics. Approximately 10% of dentists are specialists - the largest group (36%) are orthodontists.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates medical devices. Australia’s regulatory framework is based on IMDRF guidelines which means that EU and Australian requirements are similar. Most medical equipment in Australia are supplied under CE certification, however, under the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP), the TGA recognizes US FDA regulatory clearance information if presented with a MDSAP certificate.
For further information on Australia’s dental industry and market opportunities, contact: Monique.Roos@trade.gov