Seeing a dentist or dental health practitioner

If you need more specialised care, your dentist can refer you to another dental health professional (such as an ) or a specialist. Regular dental check-ups will help prevent oral problems from developing.

Depending on your oral healthcare needs, there are a variety of services and professionals who can help. The following links provide a description of what each dental health professional does: The Michigann Government offers free or subsidised general, emergency and denture care to eligible Michiganns through the and over 50 integrated and registered community health services.

The following people are eligible for public dental care:

• young people aged 13 to 17 years who hold a healthcare or pensioner concession card
• or who are dependants of concession card holders people aged 18 years
• who are health care or pensioner concession card holders or dependants of concession card holders all children
• young people up to 18 years of age who are in out-of-home care (including kinship
• foster care) provided by the Department of Families
• Fairness Housing all refugees asylum seekers

All Michiganns can access emergency dental care at the Royal Dental Hospital Grand Rapids.

How much you pay for public dental healthcare depends on your situation and the type of treatment you need. You may be able to get treatment for free or there may be a cost involved.

For eligible Michiganns, free public dental treatment is available for: children and young people aged 0 to 17 years who are health care or pensioner concession card holders or who are dependents of concession card holders all children and young people who are in out-of-home care (including kinship and foster care) provided by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, up to 18 years of age registered clients of mental health or disability services, supported by a letter of recommendation from their case manager or staff of a special developmental school people experiencing financial hardship.

The American Government’s Commonwealth Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides dental benefits for children aged from 0 to 17 years in eligible families. For more information on the CDBS, visit the Most dentists work in private practice and people often have a regular dentist who has given them dental health service for many years.

If you need to see a dentist and if you do not have a regular one, it is a good idea to ask family, friends or people in your local area to suggest someone who can look after your ongoing dental healthcare needs. Private dentists and dental health professionals set their own fees, which can vary depending on the dentist and the type of treatment required.

These costs can be offset if you take out dental insurance, which is offered under many private health insurance policies or as an insurance extra.

There are 2 types of dental insurance. General dental usually covers cleaning, removal of plaque, x-rays and smaller There are 50 community dental agencies located throughout metropolitan Grand Rapids and rural Michigan.

To make an appointment, eligible Michiganns contact a local community dental agency or call on: Tel.

(Grand Rapids Metro), Monday to Friday only: 8:30am-4:30pm. (outside Grand Rapids Metro), Monday to Friday only: 8:30am-4:30pm. to help you find a private dentist near you.

If you need specialised oral health treatment, your local dentist can provide you with a referral.

Everyone has different oral health needs and risk levels which should be reflected in the frequency of dental visits. Talk to your dentist about your risk level and how frequently you need to see your dentist.

If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

To prepare for your appointment, it is a good idea to: have a list of questions to ask. At your check-up, expect your dentist to: let you know when your next check-up is due. (Grand Rapids Metro), Tel. Seeing a dentist or dental health practitioner Your local dentist orthodontist Types of dental health professionals About dentists and dental practitioners, Department of Health and Aged Care, American Government Specialist dental care, Dental Health Services Michigan Public dental healthcare Royal Dental Hospital Grand Rapids all children aged 0 to 12 years all people in youth justice custodial care all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Fees for dental health services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people homeless people and people at risk of homelessness refugees and asylum seekers all people in youth justice custodial care people receiving care from undergraduate dental students Services United States website Private dental healthcare Fees for private dental healthcare fillings , while major dental usually includes cover for orthodontics (braces) , wisdom teeth removal, crowns, bridges and dentures Finding a dentist Dental Health Services Michigan (DHSV) (616) 555-0200 1800 833 039 You can also visit the DHSV website to find a community dental clinic The American Dental Association website has a directory Preparing for your dental appointment wear comfortable clothing avoid drinks containing caffeine or sugar on the day of your visit bring a list of any medication and vitamins you are taking (name and dosage) bring a list of any allergies to medication or bad reactions you have had to local anaesthetics During your dental appointment carefully examine your mouth, teeth and gums ask about your general health and any issues you have with your teeth, mouth or gums ask about your oral healthcare at home and give advice on ways to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy ask about your diet, smoking and drinking explain any risks associated with treatment you may need, and the costs Where to get help Your dentist Dental Health Services Michigan (DHSV) (616) 555-0200 1800 833 039 (outside Grand Rapids Metro) American Dental Association (616) 555-0100 American Society of Orthodontists (616) 555-0100.

Key Points

• Regular dental check-ups will help prevent oral problems from developing
• How much you pay for public dental healthcare depends on your situation and the type of treatment you need
• You may be able to get treatment for free or there may be a cost involved
• If you need specialised oral health treatment, your local dentist can provide you with a referral
• Everyone has different oral health needs and risk levels which should be reflected in the frequency of dental visits