Dental care for children and young people
We provides general, specialist and emergency dental care for children and young people up to the age of 18. General and emergency dental care is available at your local community dental clinic and at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne (RDHM).
Specialist dental services are only available at RDHM. You need a referral to access Specialist dental services.
Smile Squad school dental program
The Smile Squad school dental program provides free dental care to Victorian public primary school and secondary school students. For more information about Smile Squad, visit the Smile Squad Website.
Dental teaching clinics
Children and young people may be eligible for free general dental care at one of the public dental teaching clinics across Victoria.
They can also get free general dental care from dental students at RDHM. For more information visit the Dental Teaching Clinics.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
Covers either part or the full cost of some dental services for children and young people over a two-year period.
What dental services are available?
- check-ups
- fissure sealants
- cleaning
- fillings
- X-rays
- extractions
- root canals.
Your child may be eligible if:
- aged 0 to 17
- eligible for Medicare
- you or your child are getting Family Tax Benefit Part A or other relevant Australian government payment.
In all Victorian public dental clinics:
- eligible children pay $0
- there are no out-of-pocket costs
- there are no wait lists, your child will have the next available appointment
- treatment is bulk billed via Medicare.
What dental services are not covered by CBDS?
- Orthodontic
- Cosmetic dental work
- Services provided in a hospital operating theatre.
To find out more information about CDBS visit the Services Australia website.
