Services

Funding Options

Government schemes and entitlements that may help cover the cost of your dental care.

Dawson Street Dental Surgery is registered with a number of government dental schemes. If you or your child may be eligible, let us know when you book and we will check your entitlements before your appointment — no surprises, no out-of-pocket costs you were not expecting.

Medicare

Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

Up to $1,158 in government-funded dental care for eligible children.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a Medicare program that covers the cost of basic dental treatment for eligible children aged 0 to 17. If your family receives Family Tax Benefit Part A or certain other Centrelink payments, there is a good chance your child qualifies. We can check their eligibility on the spot.

What is covered

Examinations and check-ups
X-rays
Scale and clean
Fissure sealing
Fillings
Root canal treatment
Extractions

The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment, cosmetic procedures, or dental work performed in a hospital.

How much is available?

Each eligible child can access up to $1,158 if their benefit period begins in 2026. This benefit is available across two consecutive calendar years — you can use the full amount in year one, or spread it across both. Any unused balance at the end of the two-year period does not carry over.

Does my child qualify?

Your child can access the CDBS when they are eligible for Medicare, are between 0 and 17 years old for at least one day of that calendar year, and you or they receive an eligible government payment at least once that year. You do not need to apply — if your child is eligible, Services Australia will send you a letter.

Using your CDBS at Dawson Street Dental

Simply let us know when you book that you would like to use your child's CDBS entitlement. We will check their balance before the appointment so there are no surprises. If treatment exceeds the cap, we will explain what is covered and what the out-of-pocket cost will be before we proceed.

For full eligibility details, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au

Veterans

Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)

Government-funded dental care for eligible veterans and their families.

If you hold a DVA Veteran Card, you may be entitled to government-funded dental care. We are proud to support eligible veterans by providing quality dental treatment through the DVA program.

What is covered

Examinations and check-ups
Scale and clean
Prevention of tooth decay
Fillings and crowns
Root canal treatment
Extractions
Dentures (including relines and replacements)

Which card do I have?

Gold Card holders are entitled to the full range of dental services at DVA's expense wherever there is a clinical need. White Card holders are eligible for dental treatment where it relates to an accepted service-related condition.

What will it cost me?

In most cases, you will not need to pay for your dental treatment. By presenting your Veteran Card, DVA fees are accepted as full payment — no gap fees will be charged. An Annual Monetary Limit (AML) applies for certain higher-cost items. If your treatment exceeds the AML, we will let you know before proceeding.

For further details, visit dva.gov.au

NSW Public Dental

NSW Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme (OHFFSS)

Eligible patients with an OHFFSS voucher can be seen here — no waiting list, no out-of-pocket cost for approved treatment.

The NSW Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme allows eligible patients triaged through the public dental system to receive care from a registered private dental practitioner rather than waiting at a public clinic. Dawson Street Dental Surgery is registered with the scheme and proud to support our local community through this program.

Types of vouchers we accept

Urgent care vouchers — for a specific urgent issue. Valid for 1 month.
General care vouchers — for general dental treatment. Valid for 3 months.
Denture care vouchers — if you require full or partial dentures. Valid for 3 months.

How do I get a voucher?

Patients and providers cannot request a voucher directly. Contact the NSW public dental service on 1800 679 336 to be triaged and assessed.

Using your voucher at Dawson Street Dental

Let us know when you book that you have an OHFFSS voucher. We will confirm what treatment is covered before we begin. Once complete, you will sign the voucher and we will return it to the public dental service on your behalf.

For full details, visit health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth

Ready to book?