National Survey of Adult Oral Health (NHMRC, AIHW, ADA, CDC, Colgate, States/Territories)

The 2004-06 National Survey of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH) interviewed a nationally-representative sample of 14,123 people aged 15-97 years and dentally examined 5,505 of them. It represented Australia’s second oral health examination survey, occurring 17 years after the 1987-88 National Oral Health Survey of Australia. The NSAOH was directed by a team of researchers from ARCPOH who worked in collaboration with health departments in each state/territory to collect the data. The first report from the survey, entitled “Australia’s dental generations: The National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004-06”, was launched on March 17, 2007, by the Hon Tony Abbott, federal minister for health. The report demonstrates how historical influences on oral health through the 20th century have created four distinct “dental generations” that now constitute the Australian adult population. State and Territory reports was released on 7th August 2008. Additional analyses are underway and further reports will be published to address a range of research questions regarding oral health in Australia’s adult population.

National report: Australia’s dental generations: The National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004-06

State and territory reports: The National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004-06 (State and territory reports)

These reports can be viewed and downloaded by clicking the links. You can also order a hard copy from AIHW.

The following downloadable documents are supplementations of the released report.

• Overview of results


• NSAOH CATI Questionnaire


• Protocol for Oral Epidemiological Examinations


• NSAOH Paper Exam


• Weighting Telephone Interview Data

To view a copy of Prof. Slade's presentation at the March 17, 2007, launch of the survey report, click here.

• NSAOH - National Survey of Adult Oral Health


• CATI - Computer-Assisted Telephone Interview