Many people think that if Medicare works for getting sick, it must also work for dental and anxiety and ADHD and various other types of problems.That isn’t necessarily the case.One big problem for any sort of health intervention is the interested carer. They have an incentive to suggest you need treatment.In the case of classic sickness, overtreatment has been restrained through various mechanisms. There is reason to think that in many other fields, such restraint is less likely.The studies show on dentalGuardian blog 20/4/25Adam Bandt was asked about the Greens’ approach to the campaign generally, which has been filled with stunts – including DJ sets and regular appearances from a large red toothbrush to promote the party’s push for dental into Medicare.Greens leader, Adam Bandt, carries a giant toothbrush in St Kilda, Melbourne on 4 April to promote the idea of dental in Medicare.View image in fullscreenGreens leader, Adam Bandt, carries a giant toothbrush in St Kilda, Melbourne on 4 April to promote the idea of dental in Medicare. Photograph: Nadir Kinani/AAPFar less prevalent has been discussion of the conflict in Gaza and push for Palestinian recognition, which consumed much of the Greens’ focus last year.Speaking with the ABC, Bandt was asked if the shift is in response to the Greens’ poor showing at last year’s Queensland state election. He replied:No, it is not.A lot of people at the moment are turning away from the major parties, we make no apologies for trying to get people’s attention. If that involves going to a nightclub with a big toothbrush to advance our push to get dental into Medicare, then I am happy to do it, because a lot of people do not see politicians tackling the big issues.