Adults in Queensland can access free publicly funded dental care if they meet the following eligibility criteria:
- are a Queensland resident and be eligible for Medicare; and
- receiving benefits from one of the following concession cards:
- Pension Concession Card Issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
- Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink;
- Health Care Card;
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card; or,
- Queensland seniors card.
This eligibility is extended to dependents named on an eligible adult’s concession card.
For more information about adult eligibility criteria, refer to the Oral Health Services Eligibility Guideline (PDF, 71 kB).
There may be additional eligibility criteria to access public dental specialist services. The availability of dental specialist services varies between locations and Hospital and Health Services. For more information about access to specialist dental services in your area, contact your local Queensland Health dental clinic.
Cost
Public sector oral health services are funded by the government and are provided at no charge to eligible clients. Transport to and from dental clinics is the responsibility of each individual client.
Contact your nearest public dental clinic to make an appointment. Find a clinic in your local area by searching the list of dental clinics.
Frequently asked questions
Question: How can I access dental care if I don’t meet the eligibility criteria for publicly-funded adult services?
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for public oral health care, dental care may be sought from a private dentist, or in some areas a University oral health clinic or an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
University oral health clinics provide access to low or no-cost dental treatment for people living in the vicinity of Bachelor of Dental Science or Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy programs. Universities with dental programs include the University of Queensland (Brisbane), Griffith University (Gold Coast) , and James Cook University (Cairns and Townsville). Central Queensland University (Rockhampton) offers treatment provided at its Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy student oral health clinic.
Clients should contact the dental clinics directly for further information about fees and services available.
Aboriginal community controlled health organisations provide subsidised or no-cost oral health care to eligible people.
Contact your local ACCHO for more information about whether dental services are provided as part of the clinical care offered by the service. View the list of National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.
Question: Is there a waiting list for publicly-funded services?
Publicly-funded oral health services manage demand for general dental care by a waiting list system. You can contact your local Queensland Health dental clinic for information about the estimated waiting time for a general appointment and how to join the waiting list.
You do not need to join a waiting list for urgent or emergency dental care, however you may be triaged based on the urgency of your need for care. For an emergency dental appointment, contact your local Queensland Health dental clinic.
Question: What are dental vouchers?
Many Hospital and Health Services use vouchers that enable eligible patients to access dental care through a private dental practitioner instead of a Queensland Health dental clinic.
Dental vouchers increase the number of appointments available for public dental patients for emergency, general or denture care.
Issuing dental vouchers is at the discretion of a Hospital and Health Service. Vouchers may not be available in all areas.
Question: What services are available at publicly funded dental clinics?
All Hospital and Health Services must offer a standard range of oral health services (PDF, 198 kB). This includes:
- diagnostic services including dental x-rays and check-ups
- preventive and early intervention services
- individual oral health education
- fillings
- tooth removal and minor oral surgery
- making new or repairing existing dentures
- root filling of front teeth
- management of simple orthodontic anomalies in children
- emergency care to relieve pain
Hospital and Health Services may offer services outside of this standard range, but this will depend on local service capacity.
Contact your local Queensland Health dental clinic for more information about the range of services offered in your area.
