NSW Health provides free dental care for children under 18 years old with a Medicare card. Parents or guardians must sign a Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) Bulk Billing Patient Consent Form. If a child is not eligible for CDBS or has already used their benefit, care is still provided at no cost.
The Primary School Mobile Dental Program was launched in July 2019 across five Local Health Districts (LHDs) and has since expanded to eleven LHDs throughout New South Wales. Children attending participating primary schools in these areas have access to free dental care through the program. The program is delivered by experienced NSW Health staff, using a combination of fully equipped dental vans and portable dental equipment set up on school grounds.
Where is the program available?
The program is currently being run in the following local health districts:
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Central Coast
- Far West
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Hunter New England
- Illawarra Shoalhaven
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Mid North Coast
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Murrumbidgee
-
Nepean Blue Mountains
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South West Sydney
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Western NSW
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Northern NSW
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Western Sydney
Parents/guardians of children attending a participating school will receive a
Parent Information and Consent Pack about the program before it is due to visit the school.
What to expect when your child visits a NSW Health mobile dental clinic
At their first appointment, children may receive the following care (if clinically indicated and if parents/carers have consented):
- a comprehensive examination
- dental x-rays
- dental clean
- fluoride varnish application
- fissure sealants
A review appointment may also be scheduled within 12 months for a check-up and a second application of fluoride.
If a child needs follow-up dental care (e.g. fillings), public dental service staff will contact parents/guardians to discuss options for treatment. This may include providing further treatment at a school-based mobile dental clinic or in a local dental clinic. Parent/guardian consent is required for any further treatment.