Public dental services - Information for patients

Regular dental checks are important for health and wellbeing. NSW Health provides public dental services and support to people who need them in NSW.

On this page

  1. Am I eligible for free dental care at NSW public dental services?
  2. Is my child eligible for free dental care at NSW public dental services?
  3. Frequently asked questions for eligible patients

Am I eligible for free dental care at NSW public dental services?

Adults are eligible for NSW public dental services if they:

  • are a NSW resident
  • eligible for Medicare, and
  • hold, or are​ listed as a dependent on, one of the following valid Australian Government concession cards:
    • Health Care Card
    • Pensioner Concession Card
    • Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

Eligible adults can receive free dental care from NSW public dental clinics. If you are not eligible for public dental services, you will need to see a local private dentist.

Is my child eligible for free dental care at NSW public dental services?

Children (aged 0-17 years) are eligible for  NSW public dental services if they:

  • are a NSW resident
  • are eligible for Medicare
  • have their parent/guardian sign the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) Bulk Billing Patient Consent Form.​

If a child is not eligible for CDBS or has exhausted their CDBS benefit, children can receive free dental care from NSW public dental clinics.​ Parents and carers will need to sign a Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) Bulk Billing Patient Consent Form before receiving care. It allows NSW Health to bulk bill Medicare directly on your behalf.​

For other ways your child can get dental care in NSW, visit Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

Frequently asked questions for eligible patients

  • Contact your local public dental service on 1800 679 336 to discuss your dental needs. Before you call, please have your home postcode, Medicare and Concession Card details ready.

    If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Services  on 131 450 and ask to be connected to 1800 679 336.

    If you have difficulties with hearing or speech, call the National Relay Service  on 1300 555 727.

  • If you are having trouble breathing or think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call Triple Zero (000), or go to your local Emergency Department.

    ​For all other urgent dental enquiries or if you start to feel worse while waiting for your appointment, please contact your local public dental service as soon as possible.

  • If your local public dental service is closed, contact your GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free instant health advice anytime, anywhere across NSW. A registered nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.

    If the enquiry can wait, please contact your local public dental service when they reopen.

  • If you need to cancel or change your appointment, please call the public dental service as soon as possible. Please try to give at least 24 hours' notice.

    If you miss your appointment, please call the public dental service as soon as possible. If you continually miss your appointments, you may need to have your dental needs re-assessed.

  • Contact your local public dental service as soon as possible to tell them your new details.

  • Public dental clinics are usually located in public hospitals and community health centres. They provide comprehensive dental care for patients.


  • All patients are prioritised for dental care through a triage system depending on the urgency of their dental needs. This is because public dental services are in high demand and means those with urgent conditions can be seen sooner.

    There are waiting lists for patients to be seen under the public dental service. A list of maximum waiting times for dental care can be found in the Oral Health Access Policy Directive.

  • Some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) provide dental care for their patients. Each ACCHO may have different eligibility criteria and appointment processes for their dental programs. Contact your local ACCHO for more information.

Current as at: Tuesday 1 July 2025
Contact page owner: Centre for Oral Health Strategy