The National Partnership Agreement (NPA) for adult public dental services is a significant component of the Australian Government’s Dental Care Reform Package. Under the NPA, from 1 July 2014, the Australian Government will provide funding to state and territory governments to expand services for adults in the public dental system.

To identify priorities and inform the NPA such that it can be framed to meet the particular and localised needs of each state and territory, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing undertook an inquiry into the provision of adult dental services.

The AHHA submission highlighted a number of issues and made recommendations in relation to sustainability, equity, coordination and governance of the proposed program.