Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia's public funding of dental care is lacking compared to other OECD countries, and a trip to the dentist can be expensive. The Australian Government works with state and territory governments to fund public dental services and improve dental health. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) helps eligible children access necessary dental care, covering part or all of the costs (up to $1,132 over two years) for basic dental services for children up to 17 years old. Dental costs may also be covered or reduced by private health insurance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dental care free for children | The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) covers part or all of the costs for basic dental services for children up to 17 years of age. The CDBS includes teenagers who are turning 18. |
| Dental care free for adults | Adults in Queensland can access public dental services for free if they are eligible for Medicare and have one of the following Australian government concession cards: Pension Concession Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or Queensland Seniors Card. In New South Wales, adults must have a Medicare card and one of the government concession cards. |
| Dental care for veterans | Veterans who hold a Veteran Gold Card or Veteran White Card may receive help with dental care costs. |
| Country Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme | If there is no public dental clinic in town, this scheme may allow patients to go to a private dentist to get dental care. |
| Private health insurance | Private health insurance may cover or reduce dental costs depending on the cover. |
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What You'll Learn
Dental care for children
The CDBS was introduced to help families access preventative dental care and general dental treatment for children. It is important for children to visit the dentist regularly, and the CDBS covers the cost of basic dental services such as check-ups, fillings, and teeth cleaning. The frequency of these visits may vary depending on the child's age and oral health needs. For example, young children may be recommended to visit the dentist every six months as their teeth start to appear, and they may move to 12-monthly appointments once they have all their teeth and are taking good care of them.
In addition to the CDBS, some states and territories in Australia offer their own dental programs for children. For example, in New South Wales (NSW), all children under 18 years of age can receive free dental care at NSW Health public dental clinics, and in some areas, children can access free dental care through the Primary School Mobile Dental Program. Similarly, children in the Northern Territory (NT) can access free mouthguards, and in Queensland (QLD), public dental services are free for all eligible children.
To maintain good oral health, it is recommended that parents help their children with brushing and flossing until they are around 8 or 9 years old. This is when their physical skills are more developed, and they can better control their toothbrush or floss. The Australian Dental Association also recommends that children have their first dental visit when their first teeth appear, and by the age of 3, they should hopefully understand how to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Regular dental visits can help check on the growth of their teeth and jaw and provide early intervention if needed.
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Public dental services
The Australian Government works with state and territory governments to fund and improve dental health through public dental services. However, dental care in Australia is expensive, and the country's public funding of dental care is poor compared to other OECD countries. In fact, 3 in 10 people delay or avoid seeing a dentist due to the cost.
State and territory governments provide public dental services to improve dental health. These services are available to both children and adults who meet the eligibility criteria.
In New South Wales (NSW), all children under 18 years of age can access free dental care at a NSW Health public dental clinic. In some areas of NSW, children can also receive free dental care through the Primary School Mobile Dental Program. Adult NSW residents must have a Medicare card and one of the following Australian Government concession cards: a Centrelink-issued Pension Concession or Health Care Card.
In Queensland (QLD), public dental services are free for eligible children and adults. Adults must be QLD residents and eligible for Medicare. They must also receive benefits from one of the following Australian Government concession cards: Pension Concession Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or Queensland Seniors Card.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) offers dental health services to residents aged 18 and over with specific Australian Government concession cards. There may be a cost associated with dental care in the ACT.
In the Northern Territory (NT), children can access free mouthguards if they meet certain eligibility criteria.
If there is no public dental clinic in your town, the Country Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme may allow you to visit a private dentist for dental care.
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Private dental services
The Australian Government offers some financial support for those who require dental care. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a program that helps children access necessary dental care by covering part or all of the costs (up to $1,132 over two calendar years) for basic dental services for children up to 17 years of age. The CDBS includes teenagers who are turning 18 and gives parents the flexibility to choose between public and private dental clinics for their child's dental care. Many dental practices offer bulk-billing for treatments under the CDBS, ensuring there are no out-of-pocket costs for covered services.
Additionally, if you have private health insurance, your dental costs may be covered or reduced depending on your policy. Private health insurance may cover dental treatments, and you can also claim for optical costs like contact lenses and glasses.
For adults, the Country Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme allows individuals in towns without a public dental clinic to receive dental care from a private dentist. This scheme is particularly relevant for residents of Western Australia, who can utilize the services of a private dentist under this program.
While Australia's public funding of dental care is lacking compared to other OECD countries, the government is working to improve dental health through initiatives like the National Oral Health Plan 2015-2024 and by adding fluoride to drinking water to reduce tooth decay.
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Cost of dental care in Australia
The cost of dental care in Australia varies depending on several factors, including age, location, and type of treatment. While the Australian government works with state and territory governments to fund public dental services, dental care is not completely free for all Australians. Here is an overview of the cost of dental care in the country.
For Children:
Australia has introduced initiatives to improve children's oral health and make dental care more accessible for them. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government program that helps cover the cost of basic dental services for children up to 17 years of age, with a benefit cap of up to $1,132 over two calendar years. This program allows parents to choose between public and private dental clinics for their child's treatment. Many dental practices offer bulk-billing for treatments under the CDBS, ensuring no out-of-pocket expenses for covered services. Additionally, in some areas of New South Wales (NSW), children can receive free dental care through the Primary School Mobile Dental Program. In the Northern Territory (NT), children can access free mouthguards, and in Queensland (QLD), public dental services are free for all eligible children.
For Adults:
Dental care costs for adults in Australia can vary significantly. While some adults may be eligible for subsidised dental care through public dental clinics or government schemes, others may rely on private dental services, which can be more expensive. The cost of dental treatments in Australia is a concern for many, as it can be a financial burden, especially in an emergency. Private health insurance can help cover or reduce dental costs, depending on the specific plan. Additionally, the Country Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme allows individuals in certain areas to access private dental care if there is no public dental clinic available nearby.
Overall, while there are efforts to improve dental care accessibility in Australia, the country's public funding of dental care lags compared to other OECD countries. High dental care costs in Australia have driven some individuals to seek treatment in other countries, where the cost of treatment is significantly lower.
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Dental care for adults
Dental care in Australia can be expensive, and it is a common concern that many people delay or avoid going to the dentist due to the cost. The Australian Government works with state and territory governments to fund and improve dental health services, and there are various schemes in place to help people access dental care. However, dental care is not completely free for adults in Australia, and there are out-of-pocket expenses for those who have private health insurance.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government initiative that provides access to dental services for eligible children, aiming to promote good oral health from an early age. The CDBS covers basic dental services for children up to 17 years of age, with a benefit cap of $1,132 over two years. This includes teenagers who are turning 18. Many dental practices offer bulk-billing for treatments under the CDBS, meaning there are no out-of-pocket costs for the services covered. Some dental clinics also offer free check-ups for children aged five and under who are not eligible for the CDBS.
In Queensland, public dental services are free for eligible children and adults. To be eligible, adults must be Queensland residents, eligible for Medicare, and receive benefits from one of the following: a Pension Concession Card, a Pensioner Concession Card, a Health Care Card, a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or a Queensland Seniors Card.
In New South Wales, all children under 18 can access free dental care at a public dental clinic, and in some areas, children can receive free dental care through the Primary School Mobile Dental Program. Adult NSW residents must have a Medicare card and one of the following concession cards: a Centrelink-issued Pension Concession or Health Care Card.
If there is no public dental clinic in your town, the Country Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme may allow you to visit a private dentist for dental care.
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Frequently asked questions
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a program introduced by the Federal Government to help children access necessary dental care. It covers part or all of the costs (up to $1,132 over two calendar years) for basic dental services for children up to 17 years of age. Most treatments for children under 18 are free but braces are not covered.
Dental care for adults in Australia is not free. However, adults in Queensland can access public dental services for free if they are eligible for Medicare and have one of the following Australian government concession cards: Pension Concession Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or Queensland Seniors Card.
Australia's public funding of dental care is poor compared to other OECD countries. Australians pay more for dental care than most OECD countries, and many people cannot afford to go to the dentist.
