The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals that adults between 55 and 74 years old have, on average, around 22 decayed or missing teeth. The older they get, the more teeth become affected. And while Medicare covers health services such as occupational therapy and podiatry for older people, dental health remains in the grey area.
But NSW is changing that and introducing a dental health care program that gives pensioners in the region more reasons to smile! The Oral Health Fee For Service Scheme (OHFFSS) ensures eligible patients can access quality dental health care with the NSW Oral Health Fee Scale.
This dental care for pensioners in NSW makes dental services more affordable, and the latest update in June 2024 promises increased affordability through vouchers for private dental care in case public clinics are unavailable.
This guide explains how pensioner dental health care can benefit seniors, how to apply it, and how Aesthetic Dental Clinic can help pensioners with their oral health.
What is the NSW Oral Health Fee Scale?
The NSW Oral Health Fee Scale promotes affordable dental care for seniors. It ensures transparency in treatment costs, helping pensioners understand the services and their corresponding fees in advance.
Overview of the Fee Scale
The NSW Oral Health Fee Scale subsidises free or low-cost dental care for pensioners and low-income earners. Through the OHFFSS, people can receive dental services from private clinics using vouchers from public dental services. Treatments like extractions, dentures, and fillings are more affordable for pensioners, and they can get information on the cost of these treatments through the fee scale.
These vouchers come in three types:
- U – Urgent care
- G – General care
- D – Denture care
The oral health fee scale describes the procedure, restrictions or limitations, the corresponding fees, and the voucher type (U, G or D). Each voucher has a maximum payable amount printed on it.
- Urgent care vouchers – $470
- General care vouchers – $1040
- Denture care vouchers – $1815
Dental networks, whether local or specialty clinics, may raise or lower the limits depending on local regulations. Clinics may also authorise and fund other Australian Dental Association (ADA) items not included in the scale.
Eligibility for the Fee Scale
The NSW Oral Health Fee Scale guarantees low-cost dental care for eligible patients by subsidising various treatments. The following are qualified for this dental health scheme:
- Pensioners with a Pensioner Concession Card
- Those with a Health Care Card or a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Children enrolled in the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
- Low-income wage earners who meet the eligibility criteria
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals
What are The Dental Treatments Included in the NSW Oral Health Fee Scale?
Let’s look at the different dental treatments in the updated oral health fee scale.
Preventive Care
Preventive care helps avoid costly and often painful dental conditions such as gum disease and cavities. Seniors must use affordable preventive care treatments to improve their oral health.
| DESCRIPTION | RESTRICTIONS | FEE | VOUCHER TYPE |
| Removal of plaque and/or stain | Limit of one in 6 months | 61.10 |
G |
| Removal of calculus-first appointment | Limit of one in 6 months | 101.90 |
G |
| Removal of calculus-subsequent appointments | Limit of two in 12 months | 66.30 |
G |
| Topical application of remineralising and/or cariostatic agents – one treatment | Limit of one in 6 months | 39.30 |
G |
| Concentrated remineralising and/or cariostatic agents, application of tooth | Limit of one per day | 30.75 |
G |
| Oral hygiene instruction | A full appointment of at least 15 minutes is used. Limit of one per 12-month period | 56.20 |
G |
| Fissure and/or tooth surface sealing – per tooth | 52.35 |
G |
|
| Desensitising procedure – per appointment | 30.75 |
G |
Restorative Treatments
These treatments are needed to repair damaged or missing teeth. Dental restorative treatments can help seniors and pensioners maintain oral function and appearance.
| DESCRIPTION | RESTRICTIONS | FEE | VOUCHER TYPE |
| Removal of plaque and/or stain | Limit of one in 6 months | 61.10 |
G |
| Removal of calculus-first appointment | Limit of one in 6 months | 101.90 |
G |
| Removal of calculus-subsequent appointments | Limit of two in 12 months | 66.30 |
G |
| Topical application of remineralising and/or cariostatic agents – one treatment | Limit of one in 6 months | 39.30 |
G |
| Concentrated remineralising and/or cariostatic agents, application of tooth | Limit of one per day | 30.75 |
G |
| Oral hygiene instruction | A full appointment of at least 15 minutes is used. Limit of one per 12-month period | 56.20 |
G |
| Fissure and/or tooth surface sealing – per tooth | 52.35 |
G |
|
| Desensitising procedure – per appointment | 30.75 |
G |
Emergency Dental Care
Emergency dental care is also part of the NSW Oral Health Fee Scale under the General Services, Oral Surgery, and other sections. Seniors can benefit from low-cost dental treatments for sudden issues such as severe pain, trauma, and tooth loss.
| DESCRIPTION | RESTRICTIONS | FEE | VOUCHER TYPE |
| Palliative care | Limited to two for every 6-month period.
Cannot be claimed with an extraction, endodontic or restorative care on the same tooth |
77.75 |
U, G |
| Travel to provide services | Limited to one per patient per day.
Limited to one per location per day. Cannot be claimed by providers operating a mobile clinic |
75.90 |
U, G |
| Travel to provide services | Limited to one per patient per day.
Limited to one per location per day. Cannot be claimed by providers operating a mobile clinic |
68.25 |
D |
| Splinting and stabilisation- direct-per-tooth | 110.05 |
U, G |
What Are The Benefits of the NSW Oral Health Fee Scale for Pensioners?
The new fee schedule shows NSW pensioners dental benefits that can help them enjoy reduced care costs, access to quality treatments, and improved oral health.
Reduced Cost of Care
The government dental assistance NSW scale reduces the cost of essential oral health services by providing subsidised rates, making these more affordable for eligible groups. It lowers out-of-pocket expenses with reduced fees, thus ensuring pensioners can access treatments without financial burdens.
Access to Quality Dental Care
The NSW Oral Health Fee Scale guarantees access to the best dental care by providing affordable rates for critical treatments. These treatments may otherwise be unaffordable to pensioners. By reducing financial constraints on dental care, patients will not skip important procedures due to high costs.
Improved Overall Health
Good oral health is related to overall wellness, especially for older adults. It prevents serious conditions such as gum disease, infections, and other complications. With affordable dental checks and procedures, patients can address their issues early to boost their quality of life.
How do you apply for the NSW Oral Health Fee Scale?
Follow these steps to apply for subsidised dental treatments in NSW.
Steps to Apply for the Fee Scale
You must first check your eligibility according to your Pensioner Concession Card or other criteria.
- Verify your eligibility: Confirm your eligibility, such as a person with a valid Pensioner Concession Card.
- Look for a dental clinic: Find one that accepts the NSW Oral Health Fee Scale.
- Schedule your appointment: Book your appointment.
- Prepare documentation: Have your Pensioner Concession Card and other documentation ready during your appointment.
- Complete your application: Fill out the necessary forms from the dental clinic to complete your application.
Where to Apply
You can apply for the NSW Oral Health Fee Scale through a local public dental service. You may also contact dental clinics that are part of the program.
Required Documents
Provide the following documents when applying for the NSW Oral Health Fee Scale:
- Proof of eligibility: Have your Pensioner Concession Card or other documents to show your eligibility.
- Identification: Prepare your identification card, such as a passport or driver’s licence.
- Additional requirements: Dental clinics may request additional forms, so you must have these handy.
How Aesthetic Dental Clinic Can Help Pensioners
Regarding oral health subsidies for seniors, you can count on Aesthetic Dental Clinic to help pensioners, seniors, and other eligible individuals. We are your best choice for the following reasons:
Personalised Dental Care for Pensioners
Aesthetic Dental Clinic provides compassionate, personalised care for pensioners. We can help you with your dental health needs under the NSW Oral Health Fee Scale, ensuring quality dental treatments are within reach.
Assistance with Eligibility and Appointments
We can help you determine your eligibility for subsidised care and guide you through accessing affordable dental treatments through the oral health fee scale. Contact us to schedule your appointment.
Experienced Dental Team
Aesthetic Dental Clinic has an experienced and caring dental team that specialises in providing comprehensive dental care for seniors and pensioners. We are experts in preventive, restorative, oral surgery and other general dental services under the NSW Oral Health Fee Scale.
Conclusion
The NSW Oral Health Fee Scale benefits pensioners by providing affordable dental care at subsidised rates. This reduces the cost of maintaining dental health and promotes improved overall health.
