Dentists & Dental Specialists

Medicare and dental — what is and isn’t covered

Medicare does not cover general dental care for adults. The main exception is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, which provides a capped benefit (indexed each year, several hundred dollars) toward basic dental services for eligible children aged 0–17 whose family receives certain government payments. Outside that scheme, dental costs are paid privately or through private health insurance extras cover, and fees vary significantly between practices — it is worth asking for a treatment plan with itemised costs before major work begins.

General dentist vs. specialist

A general dentist can perform most procedures a patient will ever need. Orthodontists manage tooth and jaw alignment, including braces and clear aligners. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons handle complex extractions (such as impacted wisdom teeth) and jaw surgery. Endodontists specialise in root canal treatment on difficult cases. Periodontists treat gum disease and manage dental implants. Your general dentist will refer you to one of these if your case falls outside routine care.

Public dental care

Each state and territory runs a public dental system for eligible concession card holders and children, usually through community health services. Waiting lists for non-urgent public dental care can run into months or longer depending on the state, so it is not a fast option for anything except emergencies, which public services generally prioritise.

What to bring

Bring your Medicare card if your child is claiming under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, and your private health insurance card if you plan to claim extras. If you’re changing dentists, ask your previous practice to send your records and any recent X-rays across — retaking X-rays that already exist adds cost for no benefit.

Questions worth asking

• Can I get an itemised quote before treatment starts?
• Do you bulk bill under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
• What will my health fund cover, and do you offer HICAPS on-the-spot claiming?
• If I need a specialist, who do you refer to?
• What are your emergency/after-hours arrangements?