NSW Health provides “safety net” dental services for eligible NSW residents. Public dental clinics are usually located in public hospitals and community health centres, and provide comprehensive dental care for patients.
Patients are prioritised for care through a triage system. This means that patients with urgent dental conditions are treated sooner, and that there may be wait times for routine dental care.
To check if you are eligible for public dental services or make an appointment, please refer to Information for patients.
NSW Health works in partnership with public primary schools to deliver the NSW Health Primary School Mobile Dental Program to children in participating Local Health Districts across the state. NSW Health works in partnership with non-school facilities to deliver the NSW Health Mobile Dental Outreach Program in participating Local Health Districts across the state.
Children can access dental care under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule through public dental clinics in NSW. Using the CDBS at your local public dental clinic is easy and convenient.
Treatment from public dental clinics may be outsourced to private dental providers who are registered for the NSW Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme.
NSW Health assists 21 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) to provide dental care for their patients. Each ACCHS may have different eligibility criteria and appointment processes for their dental programs. Contact your local ACCHS for more information.
An agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the States and Territories exists to contribute to the improved oral health of patients who are eligible for public dental services. The National Partnership Agreement on Public Dental Services for Adults will provide the states and territories $242.5 million from 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2019 for additional services to around 400,000 adult public dental patients.
All policy documents applicable to public dental services in NSW are issued by the NSW Ministry of Health through the Policy Distribution System.
Water fluoridation plays an important role in preventing dental caries.