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| NSW Health Factsheet |
NSW Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme Patient's Question and Answer Sheet |
NSW Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme - Patient Information |
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Last updated: 01 July 2008 What is the Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme?The Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme (OHFFSS) is an alternative way of providing dental care used by the Public Dental Service in NSW. This Scheme provides dental care through a private practitioner (eg dentist, dental prosthetists, oral health practitioner). The type of dental care that can be provided includes emergency, general dental care, and dentures. Who can get dental care through the OHFFSS?All children who are younger than 18 years of age. All adults who are more than 18 years of age and are current holders of one of the following Centrelink concession cards:
How do I get an OHFFSS voucher?The first thing to do is to phone the Public Dental Service Call Centre in your Area Health Service and tell them about your dental problem. The Public Dental Service will prioritise your dental problem depending on how urgent it is. The Public Dental Service may offer you an OHFFSS voucher, give you an appointment, or place you on a waiting list, depending on your dental problem. Do I have to attend a public dental clinic to receive my OHFFSS Voucher?The Public Dental Service Call Centre staff will ask you to see a public dental practitioner to discuss your dental problem and reach an agreement on the dental care you should receive. However there are situations that may arise were an OHFFSS Voucher is provided over the phone. What do I need to take to my appointment with the Public Dental Service?When you attend your appointment you need to bring your current concession and Medicare cards before your dental care is started. What information should I told if I am given an OHFFSS Voucher?The Public Dental Service Call Centre or Public Dental Practitioner will discuss with you what dental care you will be getting. The Public Dental Service will write on the OHFFSS voucher the type of dental care that you need and have agreed to. Make sure you understand what dental care you will be getting. With your voucher you will be provided with a list of private practitioners you can go to who have registered with the Public Dental Service to provide dental care under the OHFFSS. How do I make an appointment using my OHFFSS Voucher?Contact a private practitioner from the list. Tell the private practitioner that you (or your child) have been referred by a Public Dental Service and need treatment under the OHFFSS. How long do I have to use the OHFFSS voucher?Please note that your OHFFSS voucher has an expiry date. It is important that you make an appointment with a private practitioner within 10 days of receiving your OHFFSS voucher. What do I need to take to my appointment?When you go to your appointment with the private practitioner take with you:
What happens at the end of my dental care?You will need to sign the OHFFSS voucher when treatment is completed. What if I need to have more dental care?If you need more dental care you will need to contact the Public Dental Service Call Centre to discuss your options. Will I have to pay anything?A There are no charges for the dental care shown on the OHFFSS voucher that has been authorised by the Public Dental Service. What should I do if I cannot attend my appointment?You need to phone the private dental practitioner who you have the appointment with so another one can be made. What happens if I lose or damage my OHFFSS voucher?Contact your local Public Dental Service immediately so they can organise a replacement. What should I do if I have concerns or need more information?If you have concerns or you need more information about your dental health or if you are unhappy with the dental care you received please contact your local Public Dental Service Call Centre. When should I call the Public Dental Service Call Centre?Phone the Public Dental Service Call Centre in normal business hours. The numbers are listed below: Greater Southern Area Health Service Greater Western Area Health Service Hunter/New England Area Health Service North Coast Area Health Service Northern Sydney/Central Coast Area Health Service Southern Eastern Sydney/Illawarra Area Health Service Sydney South West Area Health Service Sydney West Area Health Service |
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