The only main option for Dental Treatment in
Australia are the Private Dentists situated in most suburbs. There are
however some Government based Dental Facilities, eg: Dental Teaching Hospitals
that are available for certain sections of the population, eg: those holding
Health Care Cards.
Most of the Insurance companies will cover
Dental treatment, but be aware to check levels of cover provided.
An example of Dental costs as at April 2008:
- First Check up $41 reducing to $36 for subsequent 6 monthly check ups.
- Cleaning $79
- Fluoride Application $24
- Single X-Ray $34
- Single Filling $115
Primary School children do get a free Dental check when the Government Dental
van visits each school normally once a year.
Queensland School Dental service
All Queensland resident children four years of age or older who have not
completed year ten at school are eligible for public sector oral health
services. There is no means test for this service.
A new system in Queensland started in 2008 where children
aged 12 years and over receive an Annual Voucher, to a maximum of $150, for a
single Dental Check up/Treatment at any Dentist.
South Australia School Dental
In South Australia the School Dental Service provides dental care,
free of charge for all children up to the end of Primary School. This includes
children who are not yet old enough to start school (pre-school children).
Secondary school students can also use the School Dental Service. Some secondary
school students need to pay a small fee for their dental care.
