Shien Sligar is 31 and can't eat an apple.

The mother of two knew she needed to see a dentist, but a lengthy wait time in the public health system and high prices at private clinics compounded her situation.

Five of her teeth have fallen out, and she is now considering life with dentures.

"Last year I lost three teeth, just waiting to go into the public health system," Ms Sligar said.

"I'm a mother, I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't use any substances whatsoever.

"I have these issues because of the time it takes to get in to see a dentist."

Ms Sligar has lost three teeth in the past year due to tooth decay. ( ABC News: Harriet Tatham )

Ms Sligar, like almost half the NSW population, is eligible for public oral health care.

She also makes up one of the 100,000 children and adults waiting for public dental treatment in the state.

"I've waited two-years for a general check-up," she said.

"To think at my age that I need dentures just because I couldn't get into the system quick enough to fix a simple hole, it's damaging.

"I feel like I'm unimportant just because I'm a low-income earner."

'I don't think it's good enough'

In an effort to help people like Ms Sligar, north Sydney dentist Dr Jalal Khan launched a mobile charity clinic.

His initial plan was to service regional and remote areas, where the lack of services is most pronounced.

But this month, for the first time, Dr Khan parked his truck at Sadleir, in Sydney's south-west.

"I don't think it's good enough because many of these patients [on the public waiting list] are suffering hardship and are perhaps even at the risk of homelessness as well," Dr Khan said.

"So what I'm trying to do is target those most in need."

Dr Jalal Khan created the service to bring dental services to those who need it most. ( ABC News: Harriet Tatham )

Dr Khan said the cost of dental treatment in Australia was forcing those who can't afford a private appointment to go without.

Long wait times were also contributing to poor treatment outcomes, he said.

"For medical services, a lot of that is covered by Medicare, but it's not so for the dental side of things and that reduces the uptake of dental services and in turn the preventive services that people can access," Dr Khan said.

And with strong links between poor dental health, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, Dr Khan believes it's an issue that needs urgent attention.

"A broader analysis of it all needs to be done so we can improve the system and improve the service delivery."

In a statement, NSW Health said dental care was a shared responsibility between state and federal governments.

NSW Health said they had attempted to contact Ms Sligar to apologise and ensure her needs are met.

The dental truck will leave Sydney this weekend to service Cunnamulla, western Queensland.