Government Dental Programs for Children

I've been meaning to post this for ages.

I'm not sure about every state, but I know in VIC school aged children are entitled to free or cheaper dental. We don't have a health or pension card so it costs us $28 for their visit and any treatment they need to have. So basically if your child needs any work done it's still covered under your $28.

Our first appt for both kids is tomorrow.

But I thought I would post a link for those in VIC.

And if anyone has details for other states please feel free to post.

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/dentist...s_brochure.pdf

Information for NSW

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factshe...r_service.html

Information for WA

http://www.health.wa.gov.au/services...cfm?Topic_ID=9

Information for SA

http://www.sadental.sa.gov.au/Portal...d-10-04-08.pdf

Information for TAS

http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/service_i...ces_-_children

Information for QLD

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/oralhea...ces/school.asp

Information for NT

http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Oral_Hea...ces/index.aspx

Information for ACT

http://www.health.act.gov.au/c/healt...pid=1059630392

I know in NSW there are 'School Dentists' and children are entitled to free dental care. It is not income or means tested and you don't need a health care card. I don't know if there is information on that anywhere to link back to it though?

I just updated the information. In some areas they are Govt Dentists setup and in other areas there Dentist Vans that are mobile and go from school to school.

Great thread Rouge.

My local shire has a community dental program for adults as well as kids for health care card holders. It costs $28 for adults and kids are free. Once you spend a certain amount (which I cant remember) it's free from then on. I'm not sure if it's available to non health care card holders though.

Here's a link for anyone in the Yarra Ranges Shire.

RANGES - Community Health Services

Also, the childrens hospital have a dental service. I used it when my son damaged his teeth in an accident, we took him there as an emergency patient and had heaps of follow up appointments. They are fantastic. It didn't cost a cent but we did have a health care card at the time so I'm not sure whether that is why it was free.

Thanks Tinks. Yeah I've been meaning to do it for a while as I know so many people with Kinder/School aged children who aren't aware of the program at all.

They used to have the mobile school dentist when I went to school, but I haven't seen or heard of one since my kids started. But they do have school dentists set up.
My mchn got me the referral for the one my girls saw. DD2 was only 3 & they saw her as well, so I'm guessing its for under 18's?
I'm assuming local councils would have the info.

So true Rouge and people neglect their teeth because of the cost involved.

I've also just remembered that Medicare have a Teen Dental Program. They send out vouchers at the beginning of the year to parents of kids 12 and over which entitle them to a free check up. The voucher is worth a certain amount of $ so the remaining amount can go towards any treatment they might need. The vouchers can be used at any dentist who accept them. You just have to ask if they accept them when making your appointment.

http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/...een-dental.jsp