Family Information
Dental Care COVID-19 Update
For many parents, the pandemic made it harder to access dental care. A recent article published by the University of Melbourne and the evident Foundation (Dec 2020), showed there was a significant decrease in treatment provided through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS – is available for children aged 2-17 years who are part of a family receiving Family Tax Benefit A and covers basic dental costs). Understandably, families may have questions related to treatment, appointments, and other topics related to the oral health care of their children. As trusted professionals who are in regular contact with families, it is important we play a role in helping to reassure families of the importance of seeing the dentist for a check up and that it is safe to visit the dentist.
Dental practices have strict infection control procedures in place based on the latest guidance, as well as other measures to protect patients and staff. Before an appointment, patients may be asked a few questions to see if they have any symptoms of COVID-19, have a temperature check be asked to wash their hands.
Where Can I go to see a Dentist?
You have 2 options, a public dentist or private dentist.
Public Dental Service
To find your nearest public dental clinic visit the Dental Health Services Victoria website www.dhsv.org.au >> Find your nearest dental clinic and enter your postcode (or phone 03 9341 1000)
Private Dentist
To find a private dentist visit the Yellow Pages website or the Australian Dental Association’s website.
What will it cost?
- Dental care for children aged 0-12 years is free at a public dental clinic— if you have a healthcare or pensioner concession card (otherwise it’s low cost).
- For children aged 2-17 years (who are part of a family getting Family Tax Benefit A) CDBS covers some or all of the cost of a range of basic dental services. (Not all dentists provide services under CDBS; it’s best to check with your dentist)
- The cost of visiting a private dentist will vary so check when you make an appointment.
How long will we have to wait for an appointment?
In the public system, children up to age 12 do not go on a waiting list – they will be given the first available appointment.
For more information about Healthy Families, Healthy Smiles please contact,
Gilian Lang
Health Promotion Officer
Phone: 03 9341 1162
Email: gillian.lang@ghsv.org.au
