Going to the Dentist

	NT Public Dentists
	QLD Public Dentists
	SA Public Dentists
	VIC Public Dentists
	WA Public Dentists
	NSW Public Dentists

Your oral health, that’s right – looking after your big gorgeous gob, is vital for your overall health. Neglecting that gob can cause many illnesses such as diabetes, cancers, cardiovascular disease, and pre-term, low birthweight babies, and a range of other conditions.

You have two main options when it comes to looking after your oral health:

Private dental services

If you are over 18 and do not have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, you have to go to a private dental clinic. To find your nearest dentist, look in the Yellow Pages under “Dentists”.

Public dental services

Public dental services are dentists that are subsidised by the state government to offer basic care to children and adults holding a Health Care Card or Pension Card. They may charge a small fee, depending on the treatment, but overall, they are much cheaper than a private dentist.

Public dental services differ in each stage. Check out your state for contact numbers and the location of your local community dentist.

NT Public Dentists

The Department of Health and Community Services provides free dental services at Government Dental Clinics to infants, pre-school, primary and high school children, Centrelink Health Care Card and Pensioner Concession Card Holders.

The Children's Dental Service provides dental care and dental health education for primary and pre school children in school based clinics.

Private dental practitioners offer services in all major towns.

QLD Public Dentists

Here is a guide to finding free dental care if you have a Health Care Card. There is usually a waiting list so make sure you ring ahead.

To find your nearest clinic call:

SA Public Dentists

The Community Dental service provides emergency and general dental care (including dentures) for adult concession card holders.

People with emergency dental needs (pain, infection, trauma, bleeding) are generally treated within a day or two of presentation, however waiting lists apply for all other treatment.

Click here to find your nearest dental clinic by using the Human Services Finder website:

www.sadental.sa.gov.au

 

Or you can look under “SA Dental Service” in the Business & Government Listings in the White Pages.

VIC Public Dentists

In Victoria, to receive general dental care you need to contact a community dental clinic to have your name placed on a waiting list.

To find your closest community dental clinic:

Call: 1300 360 054

Who can use the service?

If you are over 18 years of age and hold a current Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.

How much does it cost?

A treatment fee of $22 per visit, up to a maximum of $88 per course of care.

WA Public Dentists

Oral Health Centre of Western Australia

Provides dental care for people holding a Health Care Card.

NSW Public Dentists

Concession card holders (those with a Commonwealth Seniors Card, a Health Care Card, or a Health Benefits Card) can receive treatment at community health centres and city dental hospitals. But the demand for these services so far outstrips supply that there are long waiting lists for basic care. Emergency dental problems – toothache, trauma, or bleeding following an extraction for example – will be seen within 24 hours in a public dental clinic. But most dental visits do not qualify as emergencies.

There are several public dental clinics across New South Wales. If you want to go to a public dental clinic Call: the Oral Health Intake and Information Service in your area (see the list below). Answer the questions that the staff ask about yourself and your dental problem.

The clinic will arrange your first appointment to check your needs.

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