We provide a range of dental services to eligible children and young people in the ACT. We can help with dental emergencies, dental restoration and denture services.
About this service
Eligible children can have their teeth checked and treated with little or no cost.
We provide dental treatment including, but not limited to:
- check ups
- x-rays
- fillings
- teeth cleaning
- preventative treatment such as fluoride
- tooth extractions
- root canal on eligible teeth
- wisdom teeth extraction
- dentures.
We do not provide crowns, implants, braces and some other services such as bridges.
Who we care for
Child and youth dental services are available to:
- all children under the age of 14 years who live in the ACT or attend an ACT school
- young people under the age of 18 with a Centrelink-issued Pension Concession or Health Care Card
- children who are under the care of the Canberra Health Services Cleft Palate Clinic.
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.
Children who have a diagnosed cleft lip and/or palate and are referred from the Cleft Palate Clinic are eligible to receive orthodontic services. Some orthodontic item numbers may incur a fee.
How to access this service
If you are eligible for this service, you can contact your nearest clinic to register on the waitlist.
Your local clinic can also assess you for an emergency appointment if you are having an issue.
Otherwise, you can call to be assessed for an emergency appointment. Please call Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977.
What to expect
If you are assessed as needing a priority appointment, we will offer you an appointment at one of our community health centres.
Standard fees apply for our services:
- Children under 5 years – No fees for dental treatment
- Children aged 5 to 14 – $75.30 per dental treatment plan
- Children under the age of 18 years who are listed on a Health Care, Pension Concession or Access card – No fees for dental treatment
- Co-payments apply for children for items such as splints.
Children who meet one of the above criteria may also be eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Please visit Services Australia for further information.
Please note that dental treatment provided under general anaesthetic services in Canberra hospitals 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
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as 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.
