Special services
In addition to the routine dental services, Dental Health Services provide special services to the following groups:
- Special Needs Dental Clinic
- Patients who are physically unable to attend a Dental Clinic (Domiciliary Patients)
- Aged Care Facilities who participate in the Aged Care Programme
- Prisoners
- In-Patients at Graylands Hospital
- Royal Perth Hospital Dental Clinic
- Residents in rural locations
Special Needs Dental Clinic
What care is provided?
The care includes routine dental examinations, oral health advice, scale and polishing, extractions, fillings, X-rays, fissure sealants, root canal treatments, oral surgery and dentures. Treatment can be provided under a General Anaesthetic if required.
Who can access this service?
Individuals aged 16-years-old and above can access this service if they:
- have a developemental, physical, and/or intellectual disability and are unlikely to tolerate treatment in a mainstream service
- have a Legal Guardian appointed
- have critical impairments of
- oral motor deficits (e.g. swallowing difficulties or reduced oral musculature control)
- behavioural issues (unable to sit in the dental chair)
- cognitive issues (unable to follow instructions/directions or unable to verbalise pain presentation)
- require extensive support or assistance for their day-to-day living needs.
If you are unsure if the person you care for meets the eligiblity requirements please contact the clinic to start an appropriate assessment process.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for the service.
How can I contact the clinic?
The Legal Guardian or carer of an individual can contact the Clinic Reception by phone on (08) 9313 0699 or via email at specialneedsdentalclinic@health.wa.gov.au For more information about the clinic such as opening hours and address see the Clinic Information
Patients who are physically unable to attend a Dental Clinic (Domiciliary Patients)
What care is provided?
The care includes routine dental examinations, oral health advice, scale and cleaning, extractions, dentures and fillings. Specialist dental services such as oral surgery are not provided, and you will be referred for these services.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible if:
- You are totally housebound and have a medical condition that makes it extremely difficult or unsafe to transport you to a dental clinic
- You live within 55 kilometres of the Perth Central Business District.
How do I get care?
You can be referred to the Service by a medical practitioner. Please call (08) 9313 0548 or email dhs.domiciliary@health.wa.gov.au for further information.
How much does it cost?
We use the Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs schedule of dental fees.
If you hold a current Health care card or Pensioner concession card, dental treatment is subsidised by the Western Australian Government up to a maximum of 75% of the cost of the treatment. The level of dental subsidy you are entitled to receive is based upon the income you receive from Centrelink.
If you do not hold a current Health care card or Pensioner concession card you will need to pay 100% of the fee.
Aged Care Facilities who participate in the Aged Care Programme
A free annual dental screening examination and oral care plan.
If you require further care you will be referred to the appropriate service.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible if you are living in an aged care facility that participates in the Aged Care Programme.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for the dental screening examination and oral care plan.
Prisoners
What care is provided?
Routine dental care focussed on relief of pain and alleviation of infection; such as: dental examinations, oral health advice, extractions, fillings, x-rays, root canal treatments and in some cases dentures.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for routine treatment.
In-Patients at Graylands Hospital
What care is provided?
The care includes routine dental examinations, oral health advice, scale and cleaning, extractions, fillings, X-rays, fissure sealants and root canal treatments. Specialist dental services such as oral surgery and orthodontics are not provided, and patients are referred for these services.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible if you are an in-patient of Graylands Hospital (including Frankland Centre) or a resident of an eligible registered psychiatric hostel or Community Accommodation Support Programme Hostel.
Royal Perth Hospital Dental Clinic
Am I eligible?
You are eligible if you are an in-patient of Royal Perth Hospital (RPH), an out-patient who has been referred by one of the RPH medical speciality clinics or an out-patient whose medical condition requires monitoring during dental treatment and are under current RPH specialist management. Patients are also accepted from the community wherein the medical practitioner or dentist feels their treatment requires the support of a tertiary hospital. Patients can also be referred for treatment under general anaesthetic should their medical condition(s) also require treatment in a tertiary hospital.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for treatment.
Residents in rural locations
What care is provided?
The care includes routine dental examinations, oral health advice, scale and cleaning, extractions, dentures and fillings. Specialist dental services such as oral surgery are not provided and you will be referred for these services.
Am I eligible?
If you live in a remote location you are able to access care at the Public Dental Clinic.
How much does it cost?
Holders of a current Health Care or Pensioner Concession card will pay either 25% or 50% of the fee. If you are not eligible, you will be charged the full fee.