Treatment FAQ

how do i get free dental treatment nsw

by Prof. Alex Connelly Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Eligible NSW residents may receive dental treatment either directly through the public dental service or be given an Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme (OHFFSS) voucher to receive treatment from a dental practitioner registered with the public dental service. Who can get free dental care? • All children under18years of age.

Free dental care is available at NSW public dental clinics for: all children under 18 years of age. anyone listed on your card is also eligible for free public oral health care. All patients must be eligible for Medicare and should have a valid Medicare card.

Full Answer

Can my child get free dental care in NSW?

All children (under 18 years old) can access free public dental services in NSW. All children seen by public dental services receive the same high quality care regardless of their eligibility for CDBS and no fees are charged, even if CDBS benefits have been fully used up.

What is NSW health advice for dental services?

NSW Health advice for dental services and information about risk management measures in place at public dental clinics: Oral health information and resources for individuals, families, carers, communities and health professionals.

Who can get free dental care?

Who can get free dental care? • All children under18years of age. • Adults who hold any of the following Centrelink concession cards • Anyone listed on your card is also eligible for free public oral health care. All patients must be eligible for Medicare and should have a valid Medicare card.

Are you eligible for public dental care in Australia?

However, each state and territory in Australia has its own public dental program and therefore its own eligibility requirements, fees payable and participating clinics. NSW provides public oral health care to eligible people within Local Health Districts. Treatments include general dentistry (such as oral examinations, fillings and dentures).

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Who gets free dental in Australia?

Children. Children aged 0 to 4 whose name appears on their parent's Health Care or Pension Concession Card are eligible to attend a government general dental clinic for care.

Do pensioners in NSW get free dental?

– the answer is yes. If you are a valid aged pension card holder, you are entitled to attend your state's local oral health service through Medicare.

Can I claim dental on Medicare?

Medicare offers rebates for both children and adults to access dental care in certain scenarios. Children can be covered through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

Does Australia have free dental care?

The Australian Government does not cover the costs of most dental services in the way it does with other health services. Most dental costs are paid for by patients. However, Medicare does pay for some essential dental services for some children and adults who are eligible.

What happens when you cant afford dental treatment?

Dental Schools Most schools run clinics where students treat the public at reduced prices. You might pay half or even less for root canals, fillings, and other services, compared with what established dentists charge.

How can I get cheap dental work in Australia?

Student Dentists Another company worth taking a look at is “Smile” – simply visit www.smile.com.au and you can get yourself a discount on your dental services. You pay a small price to join, under $100 per person, and then find a Dentist who is approved by “Smile”.

How much does a filling cost NSW?

Dental Filling Costs The dental filling cost ranges between $115 and $300 in Australia. If the filling cost is out of your budget, you can check to see if dental fillings cover your private insurance.

Does Medicare pay for tooth extractions?

Medicare doesn't cover most dental care (including procedures and supplies like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices). Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

How much is a root canal in Australia?

According to the 2020 national dental fee survey, the average cost of a root canal without a crown in Australia ranges between $2,000 and $3,400. In Australia, a molar root canal with three canals can cost up to $2,760 without a crown and up to $4,760 with a crown.

Why is dental not included in Medicare?

In 1974, the Whitlam Government decided to exclude dental care from Medicare for two reasons. The first was cost. The second was political in that Gough Whitlam felt that combatting the doctors would be hard enough without having to combat dentists as well.

Is loss of teeth a disability?

Therefore, an individual should be considered to have a dental disability if orofacial pain, infection, or pathological condition and/or lack of functional dentition affect nutritional intake, growth and development, or participation in life activities.

How much does a filling cost in Australia?

The procedure can cost you anywhere from $145-$395. Based on a fee survey by the Australian Dental Association (ADA), average price ranges from $130 for a small tooth filling up to $283 ( a large tooth filling).

Is there a gap fee for dental services in NSW?

There are no gap fees for services provided at public dental clinics in NSW - even if the $1,000 benefit cap is reached, or if your child needs treatment that is not covered by the CDBS.

Can a child get dental insurance in NSW?

All children (under 18 years old) can access free public dental services in NSW. All children seen by public dental services receive the same high quality care regardless of their eligibility for CDBS and no fees are charged, even if CDBS benefits have been fully used up. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is an Australian Government program ...

Important: COVID-19 and public dental services

NSW Health is committed to providing safe and appropriate public dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the changes to our services and how they might affect you.

About the scheme

In addition to services provided in public dental clinics, vouchers may be offered to eligible patients under the Oral Health Fee For Service Scheme (OHFFSS). Dental vouchers are issued in emergency cases or when the public dental service cannot provide the required treatment.

Information for patients

Patients may be given an OHFFSS voucher for specific treatment if public dental staff determine that a voucher is appropriate for the type of care needed.

Information for providers

Private dental practitioners need to apply to become OHFFSS providers.

OHFFSS support

Patients should contact their local public dental service if they have any enquiries about OHFFSS vouchers.

COVID-19 vaccination now mandatory for OHFFSS providers

The Public Health (COVID-19 Vaccination of Health Care Workers) Order 2021 came into effect on 26 August 2021. All health care workers in NSW are now required to have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

How old do you have to be to get free dental care?

All children under 18 years of age. Anyone listed on your card is also eligible for free public oral health care. All patients must be eligible for Medicare and should have a valid Medicare card. For Medicare information call 13 32 54.

What is the phone number for dental services?

Dental (Oral) Health Services. For enquiries or to make a dental appointment call our FREE number: 1800 450 046, Monday to Friday 8:00am – 4:15pm (excluding public holidays). In an emergency, please contact 000.

COVID-19 pandemic

NSW Health advice for dental services and information about risk management measures in place at public dental clinics:

Healthy Mouths Healthy Living

Oral health information and resources for individuals, families, carers, communities and health professionals.

Where is America's Dentists Care Foundation located?

America's Dentists Care Foundation. This national nonprofit has its headquarters in Kansas but partners with other nonprofits all over the country. They also support charitable clinics that offer free services and sliding scale fees across the country, and they offer comprehensive care clinics for veterans.

What is a DDS?

Donated Dental Services (DDS) provides free dental care to people with disabilities, people who are considered to be medically fragile, and older adults. DDS operates in each state, and you can find your state's program by visiting their site here.

What is GKAs in dentistry?

There are GKAS events annually throughout the year where thousands of dentists and volunteers provide free oral health education, screening, and treatment to children from underserved communities. To find care for your child through GKAS you can visit their website.

What is Give Back a Smile?

Give Back a Smile provides free dental work for survivors of domestic abuse. This program is run by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation and helps both women and men who have suffered oral injuries from a partner, spouse, or family member. They also provide dental care and reconstruction for men and women who have dental injuries from sexual assault. You can check out their website here to find more about this program.

Do dental students need real life experience?

The answer is simple: dental students need real-world experience treating real patients before they can become licensed dentists. If treatment from dental students gives you pause, it really shouldn't. These are students who are nearing the end of their studies and will soon be treating patients of their own.

Is it safe to go to dental school?

Dental schools are a safe place to find affordable and quality dental care for free or reduced prices. It doesn't matter whether you're uninsured or underinsured. Anyone can go to a dental school for routine dental services.

Is a dental loan free?

Dental loan. Dental loans aren't free, but they can help you pay for the care you need upfront. You then repay the loan over time in installments, usually with interest. If you're interested in a dental loan, you can user SuperMoney's loan search engine to find one that works for you.

What is charity work in dentistry?

An individual Dentist may often provide something they call “charity work” to somebody who is really struggling and cannot afford the dental work they require – for example, a Pensioner.

What is considered preventative dentistry?

Preventative. Procedures which are considered preventative, such as scaling and cleaning, are covered (up to certain benefit limits only), as they prevent bigger, more expensive dental issues from occurring later.

Why is it important to keep your teeth?

It’s important to keep our natural teeth for as long as possible, as missing teeth can; Cause problems with your bite, when the teeth on either side start angling in towards the space of the missing tooth. Cause problems with your chewing. Affect your speech. Affect your facial structure.

Can you take out extras for dental insurance?

If you are taking out insurance, make sure you investigate the funds’ dental insurance policies as you want it to cover everything that you require from dental work.

Can you save a tooth?

Saving a tooth may require multiple visits to the Dentist and may not be possible. The health of the tooth – Sometimes, the tooth cannot be saved. If it is simply beyond repair due to trauma or decay, it might be a waste of time and money attempting to fix it.

Can gums break down?

Tooth decay becomes more common, as your gums recede with age, exposing the soft root tissue around your gum line. Also, what you thought was safe – your fillings that you got as a child – well, sorry to say, but they may begin to break down.

Is dental surgery covered by insurance?

Dental procedures that are used mainly for cosmetic reasons are generally not covered, however those that are considered necessary but happen to have cosmetic benefits are likely to be covered.

What is the best denture program?

People from dentures for low-income families are much popular and using government grants among the whole state. CDG program is one of the best denture programs if you do not have an insurance facility. You can save a lot of money using government programs because Medicaid and Medicare are important facilities.

Why is it so hard to pay for dental treatment?

As we know that for a low-income family, it is very hard to pay for dental treatment. Because dental treatments are expensive. And for low-income families, it is hard to manage their budget. But now they don’t have to worry about the dental treatment expense, because the government organizes the free grant for dentures.

How to get an appointment as soon as possible?

For getting an appointment as soon as possible, a person has to submit all documents so that the verification process can be completed within less time. Several denture programs are available under government authorization for granting dentures. Such government programs help to all people living in the country.

Does the government take care of dentures?

The government also takes care that people get the best treatment for their denture problem and get well soon. The real and interesting news is that the government is with many non-profit organizations, which are also held in denture programs for needy people. They provide all the facilities to the applicant or patient.

Does every state have a denture grant?

The grant plan for denture treatment varies from state to state and country to country but, sure ly, every state has one and effective plan to provide denture service. Denture services provided by government programs provide quality service to all people.

Do dental implants cover the cost of a tooth replacement?

Advertised free dental implant programs do not cover the complete bill for multi-purpose tooth problems such as fixing broken teeth or tooth replacement. Do not believe in the options which are offered by various clinics, schools, websites that no need to pay the charging cost for your treatment.

Is root canal under government program?

And many facilities like a root canal, fillings, and cleaning are not under the Government’s program. For all these treatments you have to pay yourself. These are under the CDG ( Cosmetic Dentistry Grants) basic treatment and that’s why they do not come under the government’s program.

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on This Page

How Do I Make An appointment?

  • Public dental services provide both emergency and general dental services. Emergency dental patients are given priority. Contact your local public dental serviceto make an appointment. Please have Medicare and concession card detailsavailable when you call.
See more on health.nsw.gov.au

Dental Emergencies

  • Symptoms of a possible dental emergency: 1. dental trauma or injury 2. swelling of the face or neck 3. swelling in the mouth 4. bleeding from the mouth that won't stop 5. difficulty opening jaw and/or swallowing If your think your symptoms are serious or if your situation deteriorates before you can access dental care, call Triple Zero(000)or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Depar…
See more on health.nsw.gov.au

Dental Services at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Centres

  • Some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Centres (ACCHS) provide dental care for their patients. Each ACCHS may have different eligibility criteria and appointment processes for their dental programs. Contact your local ACCHSfor more information.
See more on health.nsw.gov.au

on This Page

About The Scheme

  • In addition to services provided in public dental clinics, vouchers may be offered to eligible patients under the Oral Health Fee For Service Scheme (OHFFSS). Dental vouchers are issued in emergency cases or when the public dental service cannot provide the required treatment. The type of voucher issued is dependent on the dental needs of the patient and the resources availa…
See more on health.nsw.gov.au

Information For Patients

  • Patients may be given an OHFFSS voucher for specific treatment if public dental staff determine that a voucher is appropriate for the type of care needed. If a voucher is issued, public dental service staff will either make you an appointment with the provider of your choice, or give you a list of providers to contact in your own time. If you lose your list, you can find a provider on the O…
See more on health.nsw.gov.au

Information For Providers

  • Private dental practitioners need to apply to become OHFFSS providers. As part of the application process, dental practitioners will need to provide evidence of having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 30 September 2021 and two doses by 30 November 2021. All OHFFSS providers and businesses must comply with the Terms and Conditions...
See more on health.nsw.gov.au

OHFFSS Support

  1. Patients should contact their local public dental serviceif they have any enquiries about OHFFSS vouchers.
  2. For voucher issues, businesses should contact the OHFFSS Coordinator for the local health district that issued the voucher. Contact details for the OHFFSS Coordinators can be found in the secure ar...
  1. Patients should contact their local public dental serviceif they have any enquiries about OHFFSS vouchers.
  2. For voucher issues, businesses should contact the OHFFSS Coordinator for the local health district that issued the voucher. Contact details for the OHFFSS Coordinators can be found in the secure ar...
  3. For business enquiries about the OHFFSS website, Policy Directive or Schedule of Fees, please call 1800 938 133 or email us.

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