We provide a range of dental services to eligible children and young people in the ACT.
About this service
General dental services
Our child and youth dental services include:
- check ups of the mouth, teeth and gums
- x-rays of the teeth and jaw
- cleaning and fluoride treatment
- fillings
- tooth extractions
- advice on healthy eating
- advice on how to care for your mouth, teeth and gums.
Our dental and oral health therapists provide most of our child and youth dental care. If you need to be referred to a dentist, we will discuss this with you.
Emergency dental services
Eligible clients can access emergency dental services following assessment for priority appointments.
A dental emergency could be:
- an injury to the teeth or face resulting in a tooth being knocked out or a loose or broken tooth
- swelling in your mouth or swelling you can see on your face or neck
- difficulty sleeping or opening your mouth because of your teeth.
Call Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977 to be assessed for an emergency appointment or attend your nearest community health centre.
Who we care for
Child and youth dental services are available to children and young people who are:
- under the age of 5 years and live in ACT
- under the age of 14 years and live in the ACT or attend an ACT school
- under the age of 18 years and live in the ACT or attend an ACT school AND are listed on a Services Australia issued Pension Concession or Health Care Card
- under the care of the Canberra Health Services Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic
- under foster care or wards of the state.
Children under the age of 14 years who are visiting the ACT for short periods of time AND who are assessed as needing an emergency appointment can access one off services. Please note this does not include the surrounding areas of the ACT such as Yass, Murrumbateman, Queanbeyan, Cooma and Goulburn.
There are no waiting lists for child and youth dental appointments. You will receive the next available appointment.
When your child turns 18 years old, they may be able to continue accessing dental services at one of our public dental clinics for adults.
How to access this service
For a dental appointment call Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977.
Please have your Medicare and current Concession card details available when you call.
What to expect
What will happen at your child's dental visit?
Our Oral Health Therapists will:
- take time to get to know you child's eating and teeth cleaning habits
- address any concerns you may have about your child's teeth and mouth
- look carefully at your child's teeth, gums and overall mouth to check their dental health
It's okay if your child feels unsure about someone looking inside their mouth. They can sit on your lap or bring an item, such as a favourite toy, for comfort.
You can also ask any questions you have about your baby's dental care.
Please note that while we strive to schedule all your dental appointments with the same clinician, it may not always be possible. Additionally, in certain situations such as when the clinician is no longer available, you may be assigned to a different clinician for your scheduled appointment. Thank you for your understanding.
When should your child have their first dental visit?
Your child should have their first dental visit when they turn 12 months/one year old. This visit is important to make sure your child has a healthy smile for life.
The first dental visit is important because the Oral Health Therapists will provide advice on:
- good brushing techniques for children
- good diet for healthy teeth, including things you should do before and after breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- dummy and finger-sucking habits
- when you can expect baby and adult teeth to come through
- ensuring positive dental experiences for your child
- encouraging good dental habits from a young age.
Costs and co-payments
The costs for public dental care depend on you and your child’s circumstances. Co-payments may apply.
There are no co-payments required for children and young people who are:
- under the age of 5 years for general dental services
- under the age of 14 years and are covered by AND consent to use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
- under the age of 18 years AND are listed on a Services Australia issued Health Care, Pension Concession card or ACT Services Access card
- under the care of Canberra Health Services Cleft Palate Clinic
- under foster care or are wards of the state.
Co-payments apply for children for items such as splints.
For children and young people aged 5 to 14 not covered by any of the above, there is a cost of $77.95 for dental services provided per recall period from the date of check up. Any dental emergencies treated at a public dental clinic between check ups are also covered by this fee.
Please note that any dental treatment provided under general anaesthetic at a hospital in Canberra will incur a fee for children not covered by a Medicare card.
What to bring to your appointment
- Medicare card
- Any letters or correspondence from your GP
- Current Services Australia issued Pension Concession or Health Care Card (if you have one)
- Your child’s eligibility letter for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule from Services Australia (if you have one)
- List of medicines you, or your child, are currently taking (or the boxes), including herbal supplements and vitamins.
Where we’re located
- Belconnen Community Health Centre
- City Community Health Centre
- Gungahlin Community Health Centre
- Phillip Community Health Centre
- Tuggeranong Community Health Centre
Resources
- You can read more about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) on the Services Australia website.
- For dental health advice please visit Teeth.org.au.
