Children and young people in care are eligible for free dental care, including orthodontic services where there is a clinical need, under an agreement with SA Dental.

These services are provided by school dental clinics and at the Adelaide Dental Hospital.

Eligible children and young people in care can visit any school dental clinic regardless of whether or not they attend that school, and even if they are enrolled in a non-government school or are no longer attending school, up to 18 years of age. After 18 years, care leavers can access free or low cost adult dental services where they are in receipt of eligible Centrelink income support payments.

To find out more about these services and eligibility requirements, get in touch with your DCP caseworker.

You can also find more information on the SA Dental website.

Children and young people in care, or who have been in care, may be eligible for additional dental and orthodontic services under a partnership with the Australian Dental Foundation, which includes:

• Waiver of additional after hours call-out fees for emergency after hours’ dental care for children and young people in care (when unable to be accessed via the Women’s and Children’s Hospital)
• Fee capped orthodontic treatment for children and young people in care, on a case by case basis
• Free or discounted dental services for care leavers aged 17-25, where in receipt of eligible Centrelink income support payments.

For care leavers aged 17-25, dental services can be accessed via participating Australian Dental Foundation partner clinics. See the Australian Dental Foundation DCP partner list (PDF, 129.8 KB) to find the closest clinic near you.

For after hours’ emergency dental care for children and young people in care, contact the Australian Dental Foundation 24/7 central triage line on 0437 733 350.

Speak to your caseworker about eligibility for orthodontic treatment for children and young people in care.

You can also find out more about the Australian Dental Foundation on their website.