Dental Health Services Victoria

Public dental services

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How to access public dental health care

 


Do you have a dental emergency?

Go to our Emergency dental care page.

Do you need a general dental check-up?
You must be eligible to receive public dental care to access this service. 
Are you eligible for public dental care?

How to access...
General dental care

Dental check-ups are offered through our 'General care' service. General care includes routine dental examinations or check-ups, oral health advice, scale and cleans, extractions, fillings, X-rays and fissure sealants.

If you are eligible and would like to access this service, contact your local community dental clinic.

To find one near you, visit our Community dental clinics page or telephone 1300 360 054 (standard charges apply).

What will happen when I call?

When you call, the receptionist will check if you are eligible. If you are, you will be placed on a waiting list.

You may prefer to access treatment at a teaching clinic where there are no fees and usually, shorter waiting times. 
Find out more about teaching clinics
 

Do you fit into one of these groups?
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
  • Children and Young People
  • Homeless people and people at risk of homelessness
  • Pregnant women
  • Refugees and Asylum Seekers
  • Registered clients of mental health and disability services, supported by a letter of recommendation from their case manager or staff of special developmental schools

If you fit into one of the above groups, you may not have to go on a waiting list. Tell the receptionist that you may qualify for ‘priority access’.


Denture care

Please note: You must be eligible to receive public dental care to access this service.

  • If you have no natural teeth, you can access denture care by contacting your local community dental clinic.
  • If you still have natural teeth, you need to access general care first.

To find a clinic near you, visit our Community dental clinics page or telephone 1300 360 054 (standard charges apply).

The clinic will first check if you are eligible. If you are, clinic staff will make you an appointment or will place your name on a waiting list.

Learn more about denture care >>

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Dental care for pregnant women
  • Pregnant women who have a current concession card do not have to go on a waiting list to see a public dentist. You will be given the next available appointment.
  • Visiting a dentist or other oral health professional while pregnant is highly recommended. A regular check-up is an important routine to develop for you and your child.
  • To make an appointment, please find and contact your community dental clinic or call 1300 360 054 (standard charges apply). Be sure to tell the receptionist you are pregnant.

How to look after your teeth while pregnant >>

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Specialist care

Please note: You must be eligible to receive public dental care to access this service.

Specialist care includes:

  • Endodontics - root canal treatment for those where routine treatment is not possible
  • Prosthodontics - includes dentures, crowns and bridges for those people who have more complex dental problems
  • Orthodontics - tooth straightening for people with more serious dental problems
  • Periodontics - treatment of severe gum disease
  • Paediatrics - treatment for children with complex dental, medical and other problems
  • Oral Medicine - treatment for a variety of diseases of the lips, cheeks, tongues and jaw joints
  • Oral Surgery - complex surgical procedures involving the teeth, mouth and jaws

If you require specialist care, you will need to be referred by a community dental clinic.

To find one near you, visit our Community dental clinics page or telephone 1300 360 054 (standard charges apply).

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Referrals

For public and private practitioners wanting to refer a patient to The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne (RDHM) for specialist services you must complete the form below.

PDF icon Specialist dental services referral form [PDF, 50KB]

For further information on referring patients to RDHM please call 9341 1000.

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