Description
A dentist diagnoses and treats diseases of the teeth and the mouth. They clean your teeth, remove teeth, remove tooth decay, fill your teeth, treat gum disease and provide education on how to care for your teeth and mouth. Dentists treat people of all ages. Specialist dentists can help you with more specific problems using surgical or cosmetic procedures.
Services provided
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Teeth and mouth-related treatments
- Information and advice
- Health-related information
- Referral to specialist health professional
Eligibility
Appointments can be made directly without a referral.
Your dentist can refer you to a specialist dentist, for example an orthodontist.
How to access
Go to Dental Health Services to find a dentist near you.
Costs
The cost of dental services varies depending on the treatment. Contact the clinic before you attend if you are unsure of the cost.
Medicare
Some dental fees are covered by Medicare.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides access to benefits for basic dental services for children aged 2 to 17 years. Benefits are capped at $1000 per child over a two-calendar-year period, and are means tested.
Dental services available under the CDBS include: examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions. Dental procedures performed in hospitals, and orthodontic or cosmetic dental work are not covered.
Private health funds
Dental treatment is covered by some private health funds but your coverage will depend on your insurance policy.
Website
Dental Health Services VictoriaProfile
Sector
Conventional healthcareRegulation
GovernmentRegistration
Compulsory registration through the Dental Board of Australia (DBA)Minimum qualifications
A bachelor degree in dentistry, dental science or dental surgery; or a degree in a related field followed by a postgraduate qualification in dentistry, dental surgery or dental medicine.Tip
- Dentists qualified and registered in some other countries are allowed to practice in Australia once they register with the DBA.
Important
- Dentistry is one of the ten regulated health professions in Australia.
- In Australia, dentists are required to undertake specific training before they are allowed to practice their profession.
- The Dental Board of Australia has a professional development and education system for dentists to maintain and develop their knowledge and skills.
- There are codes and guidelines (developed by the DBA) that cover how dentists should conduct their business and interact with people.
Complaints
- Health Complaints , Complaints and Information, call 1300 582 113
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency in your state. Call 1300 419 495
- Australian Dental , Victorian Branch, call (03) 8825 4600