Dental services for people seeking asylum seekers

All refugee and asylum seekers have free access to our public dental services. Refugees and asylum seekers can get treatment from Dental Health Services Victoria by visiting:

What do I need to do to get help?

If you need help call us on (03) 9341 1000. We will ask you questions about what is happening with your mouth and teeth. Make sure you mention that you are a refugee or asylum seeker during the call.

What will dental treatment cost?

There is no cost for refugees or asylum seekers. You are fee exempt. This includes:

  • emergency dental care
  • general dental care
  • denture care
  • specialist care

Learn more about the cost of dental treatment

Will I be on a waiting list?

There are no waiting lists for refugee or asylum seekers. You will get the next available appointment.

Note: There is a high demand for specialist dental care, so you may have to wait some months for an appointment.

Can I get help with translation?

Yes, language interpreter services are available at Dental Health Services Victoria. You can get help when you visit the hospital or any community dental clinic. Tell staff that you need an interpreter when booking an appointment.

In some cases, we may need to provide interpreters using a phone service.

If you need a telephone interpreting service, call TIS National Services by calling 131 450. Learn more about language Interpreter services

Who classifies as a refugee or asylum seeker?

A refugee is person who

  • is outside their country of origin
  • has left their country of origin because of fear of persecution, due to race, religion, nationality or membership of a particular social group or political opinion.

An asylum seeker is a person

  • has applied to the Australian Government for recognition as a refugee; and
  • is waiting to have their claim assessed.

How can I prove I am a refugee or asylum seeker?

When you have an appointment, you need to bring identification. Documents you could bring to show you are a refugee or asylum seeker are:

Information for professionals

Refugee oral health Fact Sheet 1 - Identifying clients of refugee & asylum seeker background

Refugee oral health Fact Sheet 2 - Working with refugee and asylum seeker clients

Refugee and Asylum Seeker Oral Health Recall Tool

Find out about other refugee and asylum seeker health and wellbeing services

Learn more about asylum seeker access policies to health

Guide to asylum seeker access to health and community services in Victoria

Refugee and asylum seeker health and wellbeing

Contact the Royal Dental
Hospital Of Melbourne

Useful Links