You’re not alone if you’ve ever winced at the cost of a dental check-up or put off a filling because of the price tag. Good dental health is essential at every age, but it becomes even more important as we age.
Regular dental visits help prevent painful problems, maintain the ability to eat well, and support overall health. But dental care in Australia has long been a sore spot—pun intended—for many, especially as health costs continue to climb. But there’s some good news on the horizon.
The government is extending free dental care for eligible Australians, making it easier for those who find it challenging to keep their pearly whites in top shape.
Let’s start with the basics. If you’re an adult in Queensland holding a current concession or health card, or if you have children or grandchildren eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) or listed on a valid Centrelink concession card, you could be in line for free dental services.
The CDBS has delivered over 51 million services to 3.5 million children since 2014, with $3.1 billion in benefits paid out. That’s a lot of healthy smiles!
Eligible individuals can access various services, including check-ups, cleans, fillings, and extractions.
These services are provided through public dental clinics, but here’s where it gets interesting: if the public system is under pressure, you might be given a voucher to use at a private clinic.
When you receive a voucher, you’ll also get a list of private clinics that accept it, so you’re not left guessing where to go. The number of vouchers available depends on demand, your location, the type of treatment you need, and the capacity of local services.
Let’s be honest—waiting times for public dental care can be long. In 2022–2023, Queenslanders on the public dental list waited an average of 578 days to be seen, while in New South Wales, the wait was 387 days.
That’s a long time to endure a toothache! The voucher system is designed to help reduce these waits, but it’s still a good idea to get on the list as soon as you’re eligible.
While the dental services are free, you’ll need to cover your transport to and from appointments.
Services are provided at hospitals, community outreach clinics, public clinics, and even schools across Queensland. You can also access care at a participating private clinic if you get a voucher.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the most common oral diseases affecting Australians are tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease.
Shockingly, about one in three adults has at least one tooth affected by untreated decay, and one in nine children aged 5 to 14 has never seen a dentist.
What’s next for dental care in Australia?
The government isn’t stopping here. In the 2025–2026 budget, $107.8 million has been allocated to extend the Federation Funding Agreement on Public Dental Services for Adults for another year.
A new National Oral Health Plan is also in the works, aiming to improve oral health and reduce inequalities across the country.
A National Dental Reform Oversight Group has been set up to develop options for sustainable, long-term dental funding that better meet community needs.
And suppose you’re considering private health insurance. In that case, there’s more good news: in 2025–2026, the government will contribute $7.8 billion to make private health insurance more affordable, which could help with dental costs for those not eligible for free care.
Dental care shouldn’t be a luxury, and with these new measures, more Australians can access the treatment they need without breaking the bank.
If you think you might be eligible, check with your local health service or visit the Queensland Health website for more information.
Have you had trouble accessing affordable dental care? Have you used the public dental system or received a voucher for private treatment? We’d love to hear your experiences and tips—share your story in the comments below!
Also read: Woman’s accent changes after simple dental visit, baffles medical experts
