Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Good teeth-cleaning habits and regular visits to a dentist are the best way to take care of your teeth, mouth and gums.
- Seeing a dentist in your local area is your first step for dental health problems.
- Dental health services include dentists, oral health therapists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental prosthetists and a range of oral healthcare specialists, including orthodontists.
- Free or low-cost dental care is available through Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) for eligible Victorians. Private dentists generally cost more.
On this page
Seeing a dentist or dental health practitioner
Your local dentist is the first person to see if you have any dental healthcare problems.
If you need more specialised care, your dentist can refer you to another dental health professional (such as an orthodontist) or a specialist.
Regular dental check-ups will help prevent oral problems from developing.
Types of dental health professionals
Depending on your oral healthcare needs, there are a variety of services and professionals who can help. The following links provide a description of what each dental health professional does:
- About dentists and dental practitioners, Department of Health and Aged Care, Australian Government
- Specialist dental care, Dental Health Services Victoria.
Public dental healthcare
The Victorian Government offers free or subsidised general, emergency and denture care to eligible Victorians through the Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne and over 50 integrated and registered community health services.
The following people are eligible for public dental care:
- all children aged 0 to 12 years
- young people aged 13 to 17 years who hold a healthcare or pensioner concession card, or who are dependants of concession card holders
- people aged 18 years and over, who are health care or pensioner concession card holders or dependants of concession card holders
- all children and young people up to 18 years of age who are in out-of-home care (including kinship and foster care) provided by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
- all people in youth justice custodial care
- all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- all refugees and asylum seekers.
All Victorians can access emergency dental care at the Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne.
Fees for dental health services
How much you pay for public dental healthcare depends on your situation and the type of treatment you need. You may be able to get treatment for free or there may be a cost involved.
For eligible Victorians, free public dental treatment is available for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- homeless people and people at risk of homelessness
- refugees and asylum seekers
- children and young people aged 0 to 17 years who are health care or pensioner concession card holders or who are dependents of concession card holders
- all children and young people who are in out-of-home care (including kinship and foster care) provided by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, up to 18 years of age
- all people in youth justice custodial care
- registered clients of mental health or disability services, supported by a letter of recommendation from their case manager or staff of a special developmental school
- people receiving care from undergraduate dental students
- people experiencing financial hardship.
The Australian Government's Commonwealth Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides dental benefits for children aged from 0 to 17 years in eligible families. For more information on the CDBS, visit the Services Australia website.
Private dental healthcare
Most dentists work in private practice and people often have a regular dentist who has given them dental health service for many years.
If you need to see a dentist and if you do not have a regular one, it is a good idea to ask family, friends or people in your local area to suggest someone who can look after your ongoing dental healthcare needs.
Fees for private dental healthcare
Private dentists and dental health professionals set their own fees, which can vary depending on the dentist and the type of treatment required.
These costs can be offset if you take out dental insurance, which is offered under many private health insurance policies or as an insurance extra.
There are 2 types of dental insurance. General dental usually covers cleaning, removal of plaque, x-rays and smaller fillings, while major dental usually includes cover for orthodontics (braces), wisdom teeth removal, crowns, bridges and dentures.
Finding a dentist
There are 50 community dental agencies located throughout metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. To make an appointment, eligible Victorians contact a local community dental agency or call Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) on:
- Tel. (03) 9341 1000 (Melbourne Metro), Monday to Friday only: 8:30am-4:30pm.
- Tel. 1800 833 039 (outside Melbourne Metro), Monday to Friday only: 8:30am-4:30pm.
You can also visit the DHSV website to find a community dental clinic near you.
The Australian Dental Association website has a directory to help you find a private dentist near you.
If you need specialised oral health treatment, your local dentist can provide you with a referral.
Preparing for your dental appointment
Everyone has different oral health needs and risk levels which should be reflected in the frequency of dental visits. Talk to your dentist about your risk level and how frequently you need to see your dentist.
If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
To prepare for your appointment, it is a good idea to:
- wear comfortable clothing
- avoid drinks containing caffeine or sugar on the day of your visit
- bring a list of any medication and vitamins you are taking (name and dosage)
- bring a list of any allergies to medication or bad reactions you have had to local anaesthetics
- have a list of questions to ask.
During your dental appointment
At your check-up, expect your dentist to:
- carefully examine your mouth, teeth and gums
- ask about your general health and any issues you have with your teeth, mouth or gums
- ask about your oral healthcare at home and give advice on ways to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy
- ask about your diet, smoking and drinking
- explain any risks associated with treatment you may need, and the costs
- let you know when your next check-up is due.
Where to get help
- Your dentist
- Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) Tel. (03) 9341 1000 (Melbourne Metro), Tel. 1800 833 039 (outside Melbourne Metro)
- Australian Dental Association Tel. (02) 8815 3333
- Australian Society of Orthodontists Tel. (02) 9965 7250
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
