What are dental procedures?

A dental procedure is anything that involves a dental professional working on your mouth.

Dental procedures include:

• fillings and crowns
• extractions (removing teeth)
• treatment for periodontal (gum) disease
• orthodontic treatments to align your teeth, bite and jaws
• getting dentures, dental implants or a bridge made
• dental surgery, such as removing wisdom teeth
• teeth whitening and veneers
• preventive treatments such as fissure sealants

Dental procedures can help keep your teeth healthy. They can also help with:

• toothache and swelling
• tooth decay
• tooth abscess
• dental injury
• other dental problems or mouth conditions

What are the different types of dentists?

Most dentists in Australia are general dentists — they diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth, gums and mouth.

Dentists must complete at least 4 years of study at a university.

Dental specialists have further training.

Specialist dentists include:

• endodontists — that specialise in treating problems inside your teeth
• oral and maxillofacial surgeons — surgeons that specialise in treating the teeth, mouth and jaw
• orthodontists — who diagnose and treat crooked teeth, bad bites and poorly aligned jaws
• paediatric dentists — dentists that specialise in caring for children
• periodontists — who specialise in gum disease
• prosthodontists — who specialise in replacing missing teeth and soft tissues in the mouth

Are there other types of dental professionals?

Yes, other types of dental professionals are:

• dental hygienists
• dental prosthetists
• dental therapists
• oral health therapists

These dental professionals must complete 2 or 3 years of study.

Dental hygienists — diagnose and treat problems with your teeth mouth and gums. They offer education and preventive treatments.

Dental prosthetists — make and fit dentures and mouthguards. They complete a university or TAFE course.

Dental therapists — offer oral health education and routine dental treatments for children. If they complete further training at a university, they can also provide basic dental care for adults.

Oral health therapists — give oral health education and provide basic dental and preventive services. They can do the same work as both dental therapists and dental hygienists. They complete at least 3 years of university study.

Dental professionals must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency.

What should I ask my dental professional before a procedure?

Ask questions such as:

• How long will the procedure take?
• What are the risks and benefits?
• What happens if I don't have it done?
• Are there any other options?
• What types of materials are used for fillings?
• What should I expect after the procedure?
• Will I be in pain? How can I manage my pain?
• What can I do to prevent future problems with my teeth?

Your dental professional should explain clearly what your procedure involves.

Talk with your dental professional about any concerns you have.

You need to agree to any treatment for you or your child. This is called informed consent.

How can I pay for my dental procedure?

Always ask how much your treatment will cost. This is especially important if you need a major procedure, such as orthodontic treatment.

Call the practice and ask how much it costs for your dental procedure and what is included. Ask them to include the item number in your quote.

An average dental check-up takes 20-25 minutes. It includes a look at your:

• your teeth and gums
• inside your cheeks
• your palate (the roof of your mouth)
• your tongue and lips

Government funding for children

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) can help pay for basic dental services for children. Your child needs to be aged between 0 and 17 years and eligible for Medicare.

You also need to be getting a payment from Services Australia at least once a year. For example, Family Tax Benefit Part A.

The money can be used to pay for:

• dental check ups
• x-rays
• cleaning
• fissure sealing
• fillings
• root canals
• extractions

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule does not cover:

• orthodontic work
• cosmetic dental work
• dental services in hospital

See if your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule at Services Australia.

Government funded clinics for adults

The state and territory governments also fund some public dental services for adults. Find out what public dental services are available in your state or territory.

Private health insurance

If you have private health insurance, extras cover, may help with the cost of services not covered by Medicare.

Depending on your private health fund and policy, your insurance may cover some or all the costs of your treatment. However, there are often limits on how much you can claim each year.

It's important to check with your private health insurer what is included in your cover before getting dental care. Tell them the items numbers from your quote to get accurate advice about what is covered.

Some health funds have preferred providers. This means that you see a dentist that your health fund recommends. These dentists often offer services with a higher rebate.

However, you can still choose the dental professional you want to see.

How can I find a dental professional?

You can ask your friends or family if they can recommend a dental professional.

You can also use the Australian Dental Association's portal to find a dentist.

If you are moving towns, ask your current dentist if they can suggest a dentist in your new area.

You can check if the dental professional is registered at the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Their registration record will also tell you if they speak another language in addition to English.

Resources and support

Find out more about how to care for your teeth at Teeth.org.au.

The Australian Dental Association website has tips for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people on visiting the dentist.

Mob Smiles also has resources and articles for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Read this Choice article to understand more about the cost of dental treatment.

Read the Australian Dental Association guide to choosing a dentist.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.