It has been recently revealed that the Knox Community Health Centre has suffered a $100,000 shortfall in funding for public dental care. The 2011-12 budget announced for the state has put the centre in a big problem.

They were already witnessing long waiting lines and were expecting an increase in the funding this time. However, the condition has worsened even more. It is not the first time that the state has witnessed a financial cut as last time also the fund was reduced from $2.3 million to $2.2 million. This reduction proved to be quite costly for Knox people as after-hours appointments were forced to stop.

Knox Centre officials revealed that they got additional funding last year to get more dental chairs. They though the step would help them to reduce waiting lines, but the state government reallocated the funding to Melton and Broadmeadows on the eve of New Year. All their plans were again washed away.

Despite so many problems, the latest Department of Health statistics have revealed that Knox area has made an improvement in reducing waiting lines. In 2005-06, there was 27month long waiting list and it was reduced to 26 months in 2010.

There has been improvement, but more funding is needed so that they could make more progress, said Chris Potter, who is Chief Executive of Knox Community Health Service Chief Executive. He further affirmed that they have not received complete details of the allocated fund. Once they see it, they will be able to estimate the waiting list.

Nathan Robinson, who is spokesperson for Health Minister David Davis acknowledged that there is a long list of waiting lines across the country. He further affirmed that the government is taking essential steps to reduce waiting lists at the high need places.