If you live in Glenmore Park, Regentville, Mulgoa or anywhere around Penrith, you may be able to get free dental care in NSW or care at low cost. This guide explains the government schemes available in NSW in 2026, who qualifies, and how to use them, so you can decide the best way to look after your family’s teeth.
Quick answer: what free or low-cost dental care is available in NSW?
- Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS): up to $1,158 in benefits over two calendar years for eligible children aged 0 to 17 (cap for treatment periods starting in 2026).
- NSW public dental services: free care for eligible children and for adults who hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
- Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme (OHFFSS) vouchers: some public patients are given a voucher to see a participating private dentist at no cost.
- Private health insurance extras: many funds cover preventive care such as check-ups and cleans, which can mean little or nothing out of pocket.
Is there a $1,000 dental voucher in NSW?
There is no general $1,000 dental voucher for NSW adults. The figure people usually have in mind is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, a federal Medicare program that currently provides up to $1,158 per eligible child over two consecutive calendar years. For adults, NSW Health may issue a voucher through the Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme, but only after you are assessed by the public dental service.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) explained
The CDBS helps families pay for basic dental care for children. According to the Services Australia CDBS page, a child is generally eligible if they are aged 0 to 17 and their family receives Family Tax Benefit Part A or another relevant government payment at least once in the calendar year. Services Australia usually writes to eligible families, and you can also check eligibility in your Medicare online account.
What the CDBS covers
- Examinations and check-ups
- X-rays
- Cleaning, fluoride and fissure sealants
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Extractions
- Partial dentures
The CDBS does not cover orthodontic treatment (such as braces or Invisalign), cosmetic treatment or care provided in hospital. The Australian Dental Association notes the benefit cap for treatment periods starting in 2026 is $1,158 over two years.
Using the CDBS in Glenmore Park
At Glenmore Park Dental Services, eligible children are bulk-billed under the CDBS, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for covered services within the cap. Before any treatment we check your child’s remaining balance and talk you through the plan. Learn more on our children’s dentist Glenmore Park page.
NSW public dental services: who is eligible?
NSW Health provides free public dental care to:
- Children aged 0 to 17 who live in NSW and are eligible for Medicare
- Adults who live in NSW, are eligible for Medicare and hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
To access care, call the NSW public dental service on 1800 679 336 with your postcode, Medicare details and concession card ready. Patients are triaged by urgency, so there can be a waiting list for non-urgent treatment.
Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme (OHFFSS) vouchers
Under the OHFFSS, the public dental service can refer an eligible patient to a participating private practitioner using a voucher. You cannot request a voucher directly: the public service assesses you first. There are three voucher types:
- Urgent care, valid for one month
- General care, valid for three months
- Denture care, valid for three months
Authorised treatment on the voucher costs the patient nothing. If you receive a voucher, contact us to ask whether we can accept it for your treatment.
Does Medicare cover dental for adults?
In most cases, no. Medicare does not cover routine adult dental care such as check-ups, fillings or crowns. Adults usually pay privately, claim through private health insurance extras, or use public dental services if they hold an eligible concession card.
Free dental care in NSW: step by step
- Step 1: Check the CDBS for your children. Log in to your Medicare online account or call Services Australia to confirm eligibility and remaining balance.
- Step 2: Check your concession card. If you hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you can access free dental care through NSW public dental services.
- Step 3: Call 1800 679 336. The public dental service will triage you and book an appointment or, where appropriate, issue an OHFFSS voucher.
- Step 4: Check your private health extras. If you are not eligible for public care, preventive visits may be fully covered by your fund.
What does bulk billing mean at the dentist?
Bulk billing means the practice claims the benefit directly from Medicare and you pay nothing for the covered service. For dental care, bulk billing usually applies to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Most adult dental care is not covered by Medicare, so it is paid privately or claimed through health insurance. At Glenmore Park Dental Services, eligible children are bulk-billed under the CDBS.
Free dental care in NSW for pensioners and seniors
Pensioners and seniors who hold a Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card can access free public dental care in NSW, including check-ups, fillings, extractions and dentures, subject to waiting lists and triage. Call 1800 679 336 to start. If you prefer to be seen privately, ask us for a written quote and check what your health fund covers.
Keeping private dental costs down
- Use your extras cover each year. Our check-up and clean is no-gap on most major health funds, and we can usually process your claim on the spot.
- Ask for a written quote. We explain every option and its cost before treatment. See dental costs and fees in Glenmore Park.
- Spread the cost. Payment plans are available for larger treatments.
- Don’t delay. A small filling now usually costs far less than a root canal or extraction later.
Book a dental appointment in Glenmore Park
Glenmore Park Dental Services is at Shop 17b/11 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park, open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call 02 4733 1197 or book online. In pain now? See our emergency dentist Glenmore Park page.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a $1,000 dental voucher in NSW?
There is no general $1,000 dental voucher for NSW adults. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule provides up to $1,158 over two years for eligible children (2026 cap). Adults with an eligible concession card may receive an Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme voucher after assessment by the NSW public dental service.
Who can get free dental care in NSW?
NSW residents aged 0 to 17 who are eligible for Medicare, and adults with a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, can access NSW public dental services. Call 1800 679 336.
Does Glenmore Park Dental Services bulk bill the CDBS?
Yes. Eligible children are bulk-billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for covered services within their benefit cap.
Does Medicare cover dental check-ups for adults?
Generally no. Adult check-ups are paid privately or claimed through private health insurance extras. Our check-up and clean is no-gap on most major health funds.
Does the CDBS cover braces or Invisalign?
No. The CDBS does not cover orthodontic or cosmetic treatment.