Public and private dental care in Australia

Last reviewed: 1 November 2026

Most dental care in Australia is provided by private practices, but each state and territory also runs public dental services for eligible people. This guide explains the general differences and links to each public dental service. It is general information only, and rules change, so check the official page for your state or territory.

How the two systems differ

Healthdirect says most dental services in Australia are provided by private dental clinics, and that most dental care is not covered by Medicare. Private practices set their own fees, and you can usually choose your practice and appointment time. Private health insurance extras cover may pay part of the cost.

Public dental services are run by state and territory governments. Healthdirect says adults generally need a Health Care Card or Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card to be eligible, and that the rules vary depending on where you live. Healthdirect also says you may have to wait up to a year or more to see a public dentist. Public services usually assess (triage) your needs, so urgent problems may be seen sooner while routine care goes on a waiting list.

Public dental services by state and territory

The summaries below are from each official page as at 1 November 2026. Some services charge co-payments or fees. Check the page for current eligibility, fees and how to book.

• Australian Capital Territory. Canberra Health Services provides adult dental care to ACT residents who are the primary holder of an eligible card, which the page lists as including a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. Co-payments may apply. Canberra Health Services: Dental, adult
• New South Wales. Adults are generally eligible if they are a NSW resident, eligible for Medicare, and hold or are listed as a dependant on a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. NSW Health says eligible adults can receive free dental care at public clinics. NSW Health: Dental
• Northern Territory. Eligibility includes people under 18, people who hold or are listed as dependants on certain concession cards, and some people with additional needs. NT Government: Eligibility for public dental services
• Queensland. Adults and their dependants may be eligible for free public dental care if they are Queensland residents and, where applicable, receive benefits from an eligible concession card, which the page lists as including the Queensland Seniors Card. Queensland Government: Public dental services
• South Australia. Adults who live in South Australia and hold a current Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card can attend SA Dental clinics. SA Dental says it does not accept the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card for adults. SA Dental: Who can attend
• Tasmania. Adults must be the primary holder of a current Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card. Co-payments apply. Tasmanian Department of Health: Dental health service for adults
• Victoria. Eligible groups include all children aged 0 to 12, and adults who hold a health care or pensioner concession card, among others. Some groups, such as children, pregnant people and people registered with mental health or disability services, receive priority access. Providers charge fees to some people. Victorian Department of Health: Access to public dental care
• Western Australia. Adults are generally eligible if they hold a current health care card or pension concession card. Treatment is subsidised, and the level of subsidy depends on your circumstances. Dental Health Services WA: General Dental Service

Healthdirect also notes that some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations provide dental services, with their own eligibility and costs.

Children

Services Australia runs the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Healthdirect says it pays part or all of the cost of some dental services for eligible children whose families already receive certain government benefits. Ask a practice whether it bills the CDBS when you book. Many states and territories also offer public dental care to children. See children’s dental care.

When private care may suit

You may choose private care if you are not eligible for public services, want to choose your practitioner or appointment time, or need treatment that a public service does not provide. Ask the practice for a written quote with item numbers, and check with your health fund. See health funds and HICAPS.

Questions to ask

• Am I eligible, and which card or documents do I need?
• Is there a waiting list for my type of care, and how is urgent care handled?
• Are there co-payments or fees?
• Which treatments are not provided, and how are referrals arranged?

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