Southport No Gaps Dentists

Family Dentistry Southport No Gaps Dentists

A selection of the questions often asked at our clinics, together with some handy and helpful answers. Learn the specifics of how we operate as a bulk billing dentist below. For any further clarification or for answers to questions not listed please contact us today. Alternatively click for more extensive information on the sort of Family Dentistry Southport prices our benefits can provide.

I'm not with a private health fund, but your advertisement says Bulk billing for Medicare, how does that work?

Correct we do bulk bill through Medicare. But as you read on you'll establish it says bulk billing for children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

Southport No Gaps Dentists What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a new dental program initiated by the Australian Government Department of Health from 1 January 2014. This program aims to make it more affordable for families to keep their children's teeth in good health.

Under the schedule, eligible children aged 2–17 years can receive up to $1,000 worth of basic dental treatment, including examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canal treatments and extractions. The $1,000 can be used over a two consecutive calendar year period, but eligibility must be obtained each year and benefits cannot be transferred to other people.

To check your child’s eligibility, or for more information, contact the Australian Government Department of Human Services on 132 011, or visit their website: humanservices.gov.au/childdental

If your child is eligible, bring him/her to one of our eleven No Gaps Dental surgeries to receive up to $1,000 worth of treatments provided for under the schedule. Family Dentistry Southport No Gaps Dental will bulk bill you for these services up to the benefit cap of $1,000.

Book an appointment at Family Dentistry Southport No Gaps Dentists

What is a preventative dental check?

A preventative dental check at any of our No Gaps Dental clinics can consist of:

Check up Taking two small x-rays A scale and clean Fluoride application

If needed one of our dentists will provide dietary advice and oral hygiene instructions Fissure Sealing - This means sealing pits or cracks in a tooth, if necessary.

If I need a root canal do I also need a crown?

A root canal is the process by which the dentist drills into the pulp chamber of an infected tooth and removes the pulp tissue.

After root canal treatment, the tooth can become weak and prone to breakage over the short term. This tooth may need to be protected with a crown to prevent breaking and to restore the tooth to full function. If the tooth previously had a large restoration, was badly damaged, or if a large amount of tooth structure was removed as a result of treatment, a crown may be required.

Why should I spend the money on a root canal? Why not just pull the tooth out?

Losing a tooth can be the beginning of many more lost teeth. Saving the tooth maintains space, keeps other teeth from moving, and eliminates the need and cost of a bridge. Although seemingly expensive, it is actually quite cost effective in the long term.

My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Not necessarily, it depends on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: Improper 'scrubbing' instead of gentle, using a hard bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and / or tartar build-up below the gum line, periodontal disease. If the problem persists despite correcting your brushing and flossing methods, contact our clinic for an examination.

Do I really have to floss every day?

Flossing is the only way to completely remove accumulated plaque between the teeth. If it's not removed, it ultimately leads to decay and periodontal disease.

What can be done for missing teeth?

Bridges and Partial Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth. Not only will they fill the spaces left by lost teeth, but they also help support the teeth adjacent to, and directly opposite, the missing teeth. Please speak to one of our dentist to find the best solution for you.

Can adults also benefit from orthodontic treatment?

Definitely. Although the ideal time to have orthodontics is whilst the patient is still growing, age isn't a barrier. Adults who missed the opportunity to have orthodontic treatment during childhood, or who have more recently developed problems, are now able to benefit from the improvements in technique and aesthetic materials, making orthodontic care acceptable whatever the age.

Do I have to live with poorly fitting dentures?

You may not notice it but as years go by, the supporting ridges that remain after natural teeth have been removed gradually change and get smaller. Also, a large change in weight can also change the shape of the mouth, causing changes in the fit of your dentures. In most cases, our dentists can adjust or realign your dentures so that they conform to the changing ridge. It is also important for patients to have their dentures checked regularly by a dentist

.

• Southport No Gaps Dentists
• Family Dentistry Southport Bulk Billed
• Child Dental Benefits Schedule
• Financial support for basic dental services for children aged 2–17

Eligibility basics

• children aged between 2 –17 years on any one day of the calendar year
• receive, or their family, guardian or carer receives, certain government benefits such as Family Tax Benefit Part A for at least part of the calendar year
• are eligible for Medicare

Eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

From January 2014, eligible families, teenagers and approved care organisations will receive a letter to confirm eligibility.

A child's eligibility is assessed at the beginning of each year and lasts the whole calendar year. A child is eligible if they are aged 2–17 years for at least 1 day of the calendar year, are eligible for Medicare and are either part of a family receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A or one of the following Australian Government payments:

• Youth Allowance
• ABSTUDY
• Disability Support Pension
• Parenting Payment
• Special Benefit
• Carer Payment
• Double Orphan Pension
• Veteran’s Children Education Scheme, if the child is 16 or over
• Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme, if the child is 16 or over

Eligibility is determined each calendar year.

Benefits available under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

• In 2014, benefits for basic dental services are capped at $1,000 per child over 2 consecutive calendar years.
• If you do not use all of your $1,000 benefit in the first year of eligibility, you can use it in the second year if you are still eligible. Any remaining balance will not be carried forward at the end of the second year.
• Benefits will cover a range of services including examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions.
• Benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and cannot be paid for any services provided in a hospital.
• Child Dental Benefits Schedule services will not count towards the Medicare Safety Net or the Extended Medicare Safety Net thresholds.

Process for using the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

You can confirm your child’s eligibility and balance amount by accessing your Medicare online account at my.gov.au or calling the Medicare general enquiries line on 132 011. Make an appointment with either a private or public dental provider and let them know you are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. At the time of the appointment, the dental provider must discuss your child’s treatment and any associated costs with you before providing the services. After this has been discussed, you will need to sign a consent form. When the dental provider has provided the services agreed for your child, they will either bulk bill you or charge you for the services. If they charge you, you need to pay the account and claim the benefit through us.

Claiming benefits under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

If your dental provider bulk bills, you do not need to submit a claim.

If your dental provider does not bulk bill, you will need to pay the account and claim your benefit from us.

Submit your claim

You can submit a claim:

• electronically at the dental surgery, if your dental provider offers electronic claiming
• by downloading the Medicare claim form and posting it to the Department of Human Services, GPO Box 9822 in your capital city, or placing it in the drop-box at one of our service centres
• in person at your local Medicare Service Centre
• by calling 132 011

You cannot claim a benefit under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule and from a private health insurer for the same dental service.

Check or update your details for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

Eligibility is based on details held by Centrelink and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

If your circumstances change and you need to update your family details, you can do the following:

• if you are a Centrelink customer – access your Centrelink online account at my.gov.au
• if you are a Department of Veterans’ Affairs customer – call the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 133 254
• If you need to update your bank account details with Medicare, you can do this online by accessing Medicare services through your myGov account.

Dental health initiative

Find out more about the government’s dental initiatives, learn about the public dental services in your state or territory, and dental services for low income adults through the Department of Health’s website.