Finding accessible dental care

Last reviewed: 2 November 2026

Everyone should be able to get the dental care they need. This guide is for people with disability, complex health needs or other access needs, and for their carers. It covers what to ask a practice, public services that offer extra support, and how to prepare. It is general information only.

Why access matters for oral health

NSW Health says people living with disability may be at higher risk of dental problems. Regular check-ups and preventive care can help find problems early. Finding a practice that can meet your needs makes it easier to keep up regular visits. See what happens at a dental check-up.

Questions to ask a practice

Access differs between practices, so it helps to call before you book. You could ask:

• Getting in. Is there step-free entry, a lift, accessible parking or a drop-off point nearby? Is there an accessible toilet?
• The dental chair. Can you help with transfers from a wheelchair? Can some treatment be done in a wheelchair?
• Time. Can I have a longer appointment, or a quieter time of day?
• Sensory needs. Can you dim lights, reduce noise or let me bring headphones or a comfort item?
• Communication. Can you explain each step, use plain language or written information, or arrange an interpreter?
• Support people. Can a carer, support worker or guardian come into the room?
• Sedation or anaesthetic. Do you offer options if I find treatment hard to tolerate, or can you refer me?

Write down the answers so you can compare practices.

Public special care services

Some public dental services offer extra support for people with complex needs. Eligibility and referral rules apply, so check with the service. Examples include:

• Sydney Local Health District Special Care Dentistry (NSW). A referral centre for adults with additional, complex needs, such as moderate to severe intellectual disability, significant physical disability, dementia, multiple complex medical conditions or severe mental health conditions. It says it offers sensory tools and specialised equipment, and treatment under local anaesthetic, relative analgesia (happy gas) or general anaesthetic.
• Dental Health Services WA Special Needs Dental Clinic. For people aged 16 and over who meet criteria such as having a developmental, physical or intellectual disability and being unlikely to tolerate treatment in a mainstream service. The page says treatment can be provided under general anaesthetic if required, and that a guardian or carer can contact the clinic.
• Home visits in WA. Dental Health Services WA provides domiciliary care for people who are housebound and live within 55 km of the Perth CBD, with referral by a medical practitioner.

Public dental eligibility rules also consider access needs in some places. The Northern Territory lists people with a disability that requires supportive oral care among those with additional needs, and Victoria gives priority access to people registered with mental health or disability services who have a letter of recommendation. See public and private dental care for links to every state and territory.

The Better Health Channel also lists a specialist in special needs dentistry as a source of help for people with severe dental anxiety. Special needs dentistry is a recognised dental specialty, and your dentist can advise whether a referral may help.

Preparing for an appointment

Sydney Local Health District suggests that, where relevant, people bring details of the person who consents to treatment for them. It also helps to bring:

• a list of medicines and health conditions
• any recent medical reports or letters
• information about what helps you feel comfortable, and what to avoid

If you feel nervous, tell the practice. Healthdirect says staff can take extra care to make your visit as easy as possible. See visiting the dentist when you feel anxious.

If something goes wrong

If you have a concern about your care, talk to the practice first. The Victorian Department of Health suggests contacting the clinic that provided the care or the Health Complaints Commissioner. Other states and territories have their own health complaints bodies, and Ahpra lists the body for each state and territory.

General information, not medical or dental advice. Speak to a registered dental practitioner about your situation.