Paying for dental care can feel like a lot, particularly when you’re not sure what help is available. The good news? Some patients may be eligible for government-funded or subsidised dental treatment.
Knowing what is available, and what questions to ask, can make the process a little easier. Here are three programs worth knowing about.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule, usually called the CDBS, helps eligible families with the cost of basic dental care for children.
Eligible children aged 0 to 17 may access up to $1,158 in benefits over two consecutive calendar years. That two-year period begins in the year your child first receives an eligible service, and the cap is indexed annually.
What can it cover? Services may include:
- Dental examinations
- X-rays
- Professional cleaning
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Extractions
- Partial dentures
Orthodontic treatment, cosmetic dentistry and dental services provided in hospital are not covered.
Eligibility generally depends on the child being eligible for Medicare and the child, parent, carer or guardian receiving an eligible Australian Government payment. Families are usually notified by letter or through myGov.
Not sure what your child has available? You can check their eligibility and remaining balance through your Medicare-linked myGov account or by contacting Medicare. When booking, let our team know you would like to use CDBS and we can explain the process from there.
Dental Care for Veteran Card Holders
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) may fund clinically necessary dental care for eligible Veteran Card holders.
If you have a Veteran Card – All Conditions, previously known as a Gold Card, you may be covered for clinically required dental treatment. A Veteran Card – Specific Conditions, previously known as a White Card, may cover dental treatment relating to an accepted service-related condition.
Depending on your eligibility and clinical needs, services may include regular dental examinations, treatment for dental injuries or conditions, fillings, crowns, dentures, and denture repairs, relines or replacements.
In most cases, eligible patients do not need to pay for covered dental treatment. However, a Biennial Monetary Limit applies to certain higher-cost items, including some crowns and bridges. If those services exceed the applicable limit over the two-year period, a co-payment may apply. Some dental services may also require prior approval from DVA.
Mention your Veteran Card when making your appointment so the practice can confirm whether it accepts DVA arrangements and check what may apply to your treatment.
Metropolitan Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme
The Metropolitan Patients Dental Subsidy Scheme, or MPDSS, helps eligible Western Australians access subsidised general dental care through participating private practices.
There is one important catch: MPDSS is not a general discount you can request at any dental practice. You must already be on a public dental waiting list and be assessed and contacted by Dental Health Services.
If you are eligible, Dental Health Services will provide the paperwork or authority you need to receive a course of non-urgent care from a participating private provider.
Received an MPDSS authority or subsidy form? Contact the nominated or participating dental practice before booking. The team can explain which services are authorised, what the subsidy covers and whether you may need to contribute towards any part of your care.
Not Sure Whether a Program Applies to You?
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, treatment limits and claiming process, and there is a fair bit to take in.
If you’ve received information about CDBS, DVA dental arrangements or MPDSS, bring it with you or get in touch with the Champion Family Dental team. We can help you understand the information, confirm whether our practice participates in the relevant program and explain any expected fees before treatment begins.