The Federal Government's Medicare Teen Dental Plan commenced on the 1 July 2008.
Preventative Dental Checks
'Preventative Dental Check' vouchers will be issued to families receiving Family Tax Benefit A, Youth Allowance or Abstudy. The $150 vouchers will be issued annually for each child aged between 12 and 17 years. Depending on the child's clinical requirements, the 'Preventative Dental Check' may involve all or some of the following items:
- Oral examination
- X-rays
- Scale and clean
- Fissure sealants
- Oral hygiene instruction
- Topical fluoride applications
The vouchers may be used at both public and private dental clinics.
School Dental Clinics
The School Dental Service will continue to provide a free service to children enrolled in Pre-Primary to Year 11 (until the age of 17).
There is no out of pocket expense involved when redeeming a voucher for a 'Preventative Dental Check' at a School Dental Therapy Centre. Any dental treatment that is planned after the 'Preventative Dental Check' remains free of charge in the School Dental Service.
Public Dental Clinics
Students in Year 12, and 17 year olds with a Health Care Card, are eligible for general dental care at a Public Dental Clinic.
There is no out of pocket expense involved when redeeming a voucher for a 'Preventative Dental Check' at a Public Dental Clinic. However, any dental treatment that is planned after the 'Preventative Dental Check' will incur a subsidised fee.
Private Dental Clinics
When redeeming a voucher at a private dental clinic there may be some out of pocket cost if the dentist does not bulk bill Medicare for the 'Preventative Dental Check'. Any dental treatment that is planned after the 'Preventative Dental Check' will not be subsidised by the government.
It is important to note that if your child is not enrolled in the School Dental Service and you have sought treatment for your child at a private dentist, you are required to wait until the completion of the course of treatment before attending a public dental clinic.
For further information, please contact your local public dental clinic, private dentist or Medicare on 13 20 11 or www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
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