Statement of Principles concerning tooth decay (dental caries) (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 74 of 2024) (Cth)

Statement of Principles concerning TOOTH DECAY (DENTAL CARIES) (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 74 of 2024) The Repatriation Medical Authority determines the following Statement of Principles under subsection 196B(2) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986.

Dated 18 October 2024.

Professor Terence Campbell AM Chairperson by and on behalf of The Repatriation Medical Authority

Contents 1 Name 2 Commencement 3 Authority 4 Repeal 5 Application 6 Definitions 7 Kind of injury, disease or death to which this Statement of Principles relates 8 Basis for determining the factors 9 Factors that must exist 10 Relationship to service 11 Factors referring to an injury or disease covered by another Statement of Principles Schedule 1 - Dictionary 1 Definitions

1. Name This is the Statement of Principles concerning tooth decay (dental caries) (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 74 of 2024). 1. Commencement This instrument commences on 19 November 2024. 1. Authority This instrument is made under subsection 196B(2) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986. 1. Repeal The Statement of Principles concerning dental caries (Reasonable Hypothesis) (No. 122 of 2015) (Federal Register of Legislation No. F2015L01675) made under subsection 196B(2) of the VEA is repealed. 1. Application This instrument applies to a claim to which section 120A of the VEA or section 338 of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 applies. 1. Definitions The terms defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary have the meaning given when used in this instrument. 1. Kind of injury, disease or death to which this Statement of Principles relates 1. This Statement of Principles is about tooth decay (dental caries) and death from tooth decay (dental caries). Meaning of tooth decay (dental caries) 1. For the purposes of this Statement of Principles, tooth decay (dental caries): 1. means the localised destruction of dental hard tissues (enamel, cementum or dentine) by dental plaque, leading to demineralisation or cavity formation; and 2. excludes: 1. dental pulp and periapical disease; 2. tooth loss; and 3. tooth wear. Note: Tooth decay (dental caries) can involve any part of the tooth, including the crown, neck or root.